After more than 60 years, the Park Cities YMCA has a new look, amenities, and name. The Moody Family YMCA, which opens in the same beloved location today after a 65-day rain delay, took 17 months and $28 million to complete, including an $8 million donation from the Moody family. Inside the new 58,000-square-foot facility, members will find several new features, ranging from a natatorium to upgraded gym equipment.
Throughout the years, a need for a larger, more inclusive center has grown with the surrounding area. “Membership had outgrown the building, and many programs were at their capacity,” says Sarah Byrom, associate vice president of communications for YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas.
Dedicated Park Cities YMCA members will recognize the marble scripture passage, previously located in front of the Park Cities YMCA, in the stairway of the new building.
“We are taking the history of the building and keeping the roots, the thread, of our multi-generation community,” Byrom says.
The Moody Family YMCA is already attracting new members with nearly 300 people signing up in August. Before you go, here are five additions and improvements you can expect from the new Y.
Stay Awhile
The Moody Family YMCA was built with extra lounge spaces ideal for playing cards, talking with friends, or hosting meetings. Despite changing technology, the Y wanted to prioritize interpersonal connection.
The Rise School
Now a seamless part of the building, this school provides early childhood education to children with Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities, as well as children who succeed best in an inclusive classroom. Before the renovation, The Rise School was located in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, where it had to work in accordance to the building’s restrictions. But now, the school will serve 60 children in rooms equipped with technology such as iPads and Smart Boards. Students can also benefit from other Y services such as after-school care and aquatics programs.
Bigger and Better
Before the renovation, staff found it difficult to accommodate everyone in the existing space. “It was so tight in the old Y [that] some people would do the fitness classes in the hallway,” says executive director Willie Lees. Doubled in size, the new space offers more frequent and larger classes. The facility now includes a full-sized gym, a spin studio, and the latest workout equipment such as two new Octane Zero Runners, which are exclusive to this Y.
Two Indoor Pools
The Seay Natatorium, which houses two indoor pools, is an upgrade from the facility’s previous single outdoor pool. With a 25-lane pool and a therapy pool, the center will host swim teams and offer swim lessons for all ages.
Park It
Parking was an issue before, but the new building has an underground garage with 300 new spots, tripling the amount of available spaces.
