YMCA opens up a new branch in Delmont

A Delmont branch YMCA opened last week, a possible prelude to a full-service Y.

An undertaking of the East Suburban YMCA in Plum, the Delmont facility, in the Hollywood Square Shopping Center in Salem Township, contains cardiovascular machines, weight machines, free weights, exercise rooms and locker facilities.

Kelli McIntyre, the branch manager, said the Delmont YMCA might expand, based on the response from the community.

"Every neighborhood needs a YMCA," said McIntyre, noting that the Delmont Y already has about 80 members after opening on Wednesday. An open house was held on Saturday.

McIntyre, who called the facility an "Express Y," said the Delmont YMCA was a new venture for the East Suburban YMCA, designed in part to gauge the level of interest in an larger Y, which would include amenities such as a swimming pool and gymnasium.

The Delmont-Salem area is part of East Suburban's service area, as determined by the national YMCA.

She said a fundraising drive would be mounted if expansion is deemed necessary.

Evening exercise classes — such as Zumba, Pilates and spinning — are scheduled. Several Silver Sneaker classes for older members are among the facility's offerings.

A room has been set aside for children to be cared for while their parents exercise during the day, McIntyre said.

The Delmont YMCA is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.