The YMCA recently broke ground on its 16th location — adding a facility in Chesterfield — and plans to upgrade most of the other gyms.
“We want to use different areas of interest to attract people to our business,” said Barry Taylor, chief executive and president of the YMCA of Greater Richmond.
The YMCA expansion was part of the Vision 2015 Strategic Plan, and development began after a one-year facility evaluation process, an 18-month planning process, and recommendations of a volunteer and corporate board.
“Our strategic planning goes back about five years,” said Taylor.
“The key components we focus on are youth development, healthy living and being socially responsible,” said Taylor.
Contractors are still bidding on parts of the project, Taylor said, and the facility will bring more than 50 jobs to the Chesterfield area.
“We employ a lot of youth-college aged people, so the majority of the positions will be part-time.”
The 45,000-square-foot branch at the intersection of Otterdale Road and Hampton Park Drive marks the latest jab in the competitive health club industry.
American Family Fitness, a Richmond-based chain of health clubs, opened a facility in Midlothian in October. And the Midlothian Athletic Club (formerly known as the Robious Sports & Fitness) is undergoing a million-dollar renovation.
In Western Henrico, Charlottesville-based ACAC is planning to build a club. That company also has a gym in Chesterfield.
The YMCA of Greater Richmond has about 2,000 employees, making it one of the Top 50 private employers in Richmond.
In addition to the development of a new facility, the YMCA will also be expanding or renovating 13 of its 15 branches.
The YMCA recently broke ground on its 16th location — adding a facility in Chesterfield — and plans to upgrade most of the other gyms.
“We want to use different areas of interest to attract people to our business,” said Barry Taylor, chief executive and president of the YMCA of Greater Richmond.
The YMCA expansion was part of the Vision 2015 Strategic Plan, and development began after a one-year facility evaluation process, an 18-month planning process, and recommendations of a volunteer and corporate board.
“Our strategic planning goes back about five years,” said Taylor.
“The key components we focus on are youth development, healthy living and being socially responsible,” said Taylor.
Contractors are still bidding on parts of the project, Taylor said, and the facility will bring more than 50 jobs to the Chesterfield area.
“We employ a lot of youth-college aged people, so the majority of the positions will be part-time.”
The 45,000-square-foot branch at the intersection of Otterdale Road and Hampton Park Drive marks the latest jab in the competitive health club industry.
American Family Fitness, a Richmond-based chain of health clubs, opened a facility in Midlothian in October. And the Midlothian Athletic Club (formerly known as the Robious Sports & Fitness) is undergoing a million-dollar renovation.
In Western Henrico, Charlottesville-based ACAC is planning to build a club. That company also has a gym in Chesterfield.
The YMCA of Greater Richmond has about 2,000 employees, making it one of the Top 50 private employers in Richmond.
In addition to the development of a new facility, the YMCA will also be expanding or renovating 13 of its 15 branches.