The Glenville YMCA and the Glen Hills Swim Club have worked out an agreement that will benefit swimmers in the area throughout the summer months.
It’s an agreement that James McFarland, town parks and recreation director and YMCA board member, said will help bring back the popularity of swim clubs that were originally formed and wildly popular in the 1950s and ’60s. In recent years, he said, both the YMCA and Glen Hills swim clubs have struggled a bit.
The nuclear family with a sole working parent is not so much the case as it was back in the ’60s. People have less disposable income and less time to take the family to the pool, said McFarland. `This arrangement will help families afford both the time and money to swim.`
The two have teamed up to allow YMCA members to buy a summer membership to Glen Hills at a 50 percent discount. On the flip side, Glen Hills members will have access to the YMCA pool throughout the end of the summer.
Donna Pravel, executive director of the Glenville YMCA, said the agreement gives members the opportunity to swim at an outdoor pool. She said both facilities have a lot in common with activities and mission.
`We are very excited about the new partnership with the Glen Hills pool. This is a great deal for families to vacation close to home for the summer. With gas prices going up, the pool and the Y are great hometown vacation spots. On rainy days, families can utilize the indoor pool and gym at the Y,` said Pravel.
Pravel said the Glen Hills pool is one of the original outdoor pools built in the 1950s, but now that families have gotten so busy, it is a struggle for them to operate as they have in the past.
`We are hoping this relationship will be beneficial for all and look forward to a lasting friendship,` said Pravel.
McFarland said a few other area swim clubs have contacted him looking to make similar agreements, including the Charvale Swim Club, located in Charlton. He said although no details have been worked out yet, he thinks this pattern is a clear indication of how private entities and not-for-profits are looking more at working together to offer affordable choices to families on a budget.
The YMCA will be offering water aerobic classes open to members and the community, as well as some swim lessons at Glen Hills. The outdoor pool located on Bruce Drive will be open from June 23 through Labor Day Weekend. The YMCA indoor pool is open year round, and swimming lessons are available to nonmembers as well.
`It’s a bit of an experiment, but one that we think is a win-win situation,` said McFarland.
For information, log on to the Glen Hills Web site at www.glenhills.org and the YMCA Web site at www.cdymca.org. You can also call the YMCA at 399-8118.
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