Fergus Falls YMCA

The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Areas of focus for the Y are on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.  Carrie Beithon, Finance/HR Director explains that the Y can best be described as a community center that offers the spectrum for the various wellness components – physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual.

Programming at the Y is focused on 4 different areas:
Health and Wellness. This is the area most people think of when they think of a Y. It is the facility; the gym, pool, walking track, exercise classes, cardio machines and weights and personal training.

Aquatics. This area includes all the water options, including swim lessons at the pool and various lakes in the area, water fitness, open swim and rehab.

Sports and Leagues. There are many opportunities for all ages to participate in sports at the Y.  Programs are broken out by age category.  Pickleball has grown into a very popular option at the Y.

Family Life. This area includes the After School Program, Summer Day Camp, Child Watch, which is a babysitting service available while parents work out. Included in this category are special events such as Parents Night Out, the Halloween party (which last year brought in approximately 1,000 people), and Healthy Kids Day held in April.

The Y is also available to be rented for birthday parties and special occasions.  The Y is open to people of all ages and abilities and is always looking for new ways to serve its members and the community.  A couple new things at the Y are the Interactive Learning Center for kids, Healthy Eating classes and Tai Ji Quan. Scholarships for memberships & programs are also available. The Hoot Lake Triathlon, a fun event for the entire community, is sponsored by the Y. Members enjoy connecting with friends over a cup of coffee throughout the day at the Y.

Recently, the Y hired a new Executive Director, Eric Price. Eric was born and raised in western PA in a town called Bradford. He went to school just north of Pittsburgh at Slippery Rock University for his undergraduate and Master’s Degrees. Since graduating he has worked in several different areas of Health & Wellness including corporate, commercial and private facilities. He most recently came from the University setting where he ran a campus recreation facility, coached track and taught a few exercise science classes. He came to the Fergus Falls Area Family YMCA at the end of July and accepted the position of Executive Director in October. He says he is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Fergus Falls Y and the community.

For more informaton about the Fergus Falls YMCA, visit www.fergusfallsymca.org.

Eric Price pictured below