The Alleghany Highlands YMCA officially opened its new complex December 1, 2007 and since has become the success story of the Highlands.

Membership has risen to 2,916 members in 1,165 family units eligible to use the new state of the arts facility.

The complex includes a 37,000 square foot building which was made possible by the hard work of the Alleghany Foundation, local governments, industry, private businesses and local individuals that raised and pledged the amount of $7,441,785.

The YMCA offers a walking track suspended above the full size gym which offers walkers a place to walk no matter what the weather is outside. The six-lane multi-use swimming pool, heated to 83 degrees, is handicapped accessible and offers a popular feature for birthday parties for children with one hour in the pool and the actual party held in a nearby room with a kitchen facility. In addition there is a whirlpool/sauna, a child watch area while the parents workout or swim, fitness/aerobics studio that groups can use, an exercise room that is outfitted with all the latest exercise equipment and more with different programs offered to the members.

The new facility is a beautiful showcase center that will unify the community and attract future businesses, provide a relaxing envirnoment to meet friends, a place to exercise and release the day's tension, offer many sport programs, provide activities for children, and a variety of fitness classes for adults.

The staff invites area residents to come and visit the new faciltiy and see what the Y has to offer. If you have any questions about membership, call 862-8683. For general information call the Y at 962-9622.

Source: Virginian Review - February 9, 2008