Nikole Babb nbabb@cherryroad.com
The wait is over. This Monday the Andover YMCA will reopen after two years of construction to rebuild what was blown away during an EF-3 tornado. Just one of the special features inside the building is a 44-ft tall custom-built Luckey Climber.
We welcomed Ronn McMahon, President and CEO of YMCA of Greater Wichita with us to talk about what’s new inside the building and the excitement surround the grand opening.
“There was never really thought of moving it or not coming back, you know, it’s just been a part of the Andover and Augusta community,” said McMahon. “We wanted to put it back as soon we could.”
It was just 749 days ago that the Dr. Jim Farha YMCA in Andover was struck by tragedy when an EF-3 tornado ripped through its path. Eight YMCA staff and a handful of members were trapped in the building during the natural disaster. When the tornado was just moments away, personnel took the extra time to ensure all members were inside the building and secure in the tornado proof room. After the storm passed, the residents came outside to find the building in ruins, leaving the location with no injuries.
After a $30 million renovation, the fitness center appears as if there was no damage done at all. From top to bottom, everything has been replaced new with a handful of surprises inside. The indoor gathering space has replaced the former rock climbing wall and is now home to the 44-ft tall climbing structure custom built by Luckey Climbers. The structure features colorful “petals” for children to climb on from the first floor to the second, while being surrounded by stainless steel mesh to ensure safety during climbing. The piece can be seen from the highway and lights up the space with bright colors.
Another surprise unveiled to the public is the Farha Park Pavillion that includes a small space for indoor mini golfing and a private space that can be rented out. The rental space includes rolling garage doors to add privacy for cooking classes or any other activity it may host.
Among those improvements are a combined family locker room in addition to men’s and women’s locker rooms, an expanded gymnastics area to be more inclusive of boys with a NinjaZone and a new water feature near the check-in desk.
“We converted the racquetball courts into a gymnastics tumbling center and that hosts a program called NinjaZone,” said McMahon. “So young kids can explore tumbling and get active so it’s a really great program.”
Patrons can look forward to an open house Friday, May 17 from 10am-7pm, and limited access to the YMCA for membership sign-ups Saturday, May 18 from 8am-1pm, and Sunday from 1-5pm. The fitness center will officially reopen for use to the public on Monday, May 20 at 4:30am. The water park will open for the summer season on Saturday, May 25.
