AURORA, CO (November 20, 2019) – The Aurora Family YMCA at Wheatlands officially kicked off construction of a new 40,000 square-foot wellness center in southeast Aurora. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, November 20 with community members and YMCA leadership present.
“We’re celebrating the vision, advocacy and commitment of everyone here and behind the scenes,” said Kimberly Armitage, the YMCA of Metro Denver’s Vice President of Strategic Growth and Membership. “This project shows all that is possible when two metro districts, one designated authority, and a nonprofit come together for the good of a community.”
The Aurora Family YMCA at Wheatlands will be built in collaboration with the Wheatlands Park and Recreation Authority, a separate legal entity created by the Wheatlands Metro District to construct, manage and maintain the center.
“The ground-breaking today is the result of a collaborative planning effort that has spanned over five years,” said Kathy Barela, the board chair of the Wheatlands Park and Recreation Authority. “With this new, modern facility we will strengthen the Wheatlands community and all of Southeast Aurora. The new facility will have a positive impact on the economy, and it will create career opportunities for teens and adults.”
The new center will feature various wellness, group exercise, and cycling studios, additional community and teen areas, a pool, as well as child watch and supplemental educational resources. Youth sports leagues and teen programs to promote academic and personal success will be available year-round. The YMCA aims to focus on supporting individuals and families by serving as a gathering place dedicated to community, connection, and healthy living.
“With communities growing so quickly – and with so many factors that underscore our differences – Aurora needs a place to come together. A place where everyone is welcome, where we celebrate what makes us unique, and where we build connections based on all we have in common,” said the YMCA of Metro Denver’s President and CEO Sue Glass. “We are honored to be here in Aurora, at Wheatlands, to serve the individuals, families, children and seniors of this amazing city. “
The Wheatlands location is scheduled to open in 2021. For more information on the project, visit denverymca.org/aurora-family-ymca/aurora-ymca-wheatlands-project.
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About the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver
The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is dedicated to the health and well being of all. As a catalyst to transform lives and communities, our programs are embedded throughout metro Denver in wellness centers and through partnerships with other nonprofits and community-serving agencies. Each year, the Y brings together over 72,000 children, teens, members, and volunteers to develop a new generation of change makers, deliver lifestyle medicine and uplift communities. The Y is one of 2,700 YMCA organizations nationwide, collectively helping more than 21 million people learn, grow, and thrive. To join, donate, or get more information, visit www.denverymca.org.