IT’S SAFE TO SAY THAT THE AVERAGE PERSON JOINS THE AVERAGE GYM WITH HOPES OF IMPROVING PHYSICAL STRENGTH. Join a gym, become stronger. Run farther. Run faster. Lose weight. That’s the expectation, right? At least, for the average person, that’s what it tends to be.
But you’re not the average person. And this most certainly is not the average gym. In fact, those close to the Y don’t call it a “gym” because it is so much more than that.
Historically, the YMCA, the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community, has played a major role in Frederick County and beyond. Basketball, volleyball and racquetball were initiated by the YMCA. Even camping and the public library became commonplace thanks to the organization.
Ever since it began in the 1800s, the YMCA has been championing families and individuals regardless of their economic status or any other divide. It is and has always been rooted in the development of a well-rounded community helping to connect all people to their potential, purpose and each other.
When it comes to the YMCA of Frederick County, you’re probably familiar with the downtown branch. However,
the heartfelt story behind the newest location may come as a surprise.
The South County YMCA branch had been twenty years in the making. That’s right, twenty years! The Natelli family donated millions worth of land, conveniently located between Urbana middle and high schools, to the YMCA.
But the land sat untouched for quite some time. Then after Chris Colville became CEO, campaigns began. Progress was being made! But unfortunately, that progress was set back when Frederick was hit with two floods, and fundraising for the new branch was put on hold to help the current downtown branch recover. To complicate things further, enter the pandemic of 2020.
Indeed, the trials were great. But the dreams were greater.
A dedicated team, working alongside a group of passionate volunteers, board members and experts finally turned the years of planning into a tangible reality. These experts include Morgan-Keller Construction, GRO development, Zavos
Architecture+Design, TRUE Fitness and Paddock Pools. Recently renamed The Natelli Family Y, this stunning structure now boasts a remarkable foundation—in both senses of the word. The facility itself is modern and sleek. Vast windows bring natural light into expansive rooms. A fireplace sets the mood for tranquility while an outdoor patio serves as a gathering place. A two-story play structure offers excitement for children.
On the other hand, the Natelli Family Y sets the foundation for a healthy, growing community. A community in which every person is valued as both an individual and a part of the larger picture. A community in which personal goals are not just recognized, but are encouraged.
A building is nothing more than brick and mortar without the people within it to give it life. The Natelli Family Y is about togetherness, camaraderie—whether you’re there for a pick-up basketball game, a treadmill run or afternoon programming.
As Kathy Brooks, of Dance Rhythm Vibz, puts it, “It’s more than a workout. There is a community built...friend-
ships built.” For the YMCA community, a solid workout is only a fraction of the whole experience. You see, there’s so much more to the equation: the chance to try something new; the benefit of involving your family members in wellness; the promise of accountability to one another; the opportunity to leave differences at the door.
Talk about a well-rounded experience. You will truly get more than “just” a workout, and that’s what the Natelli Family Y is intending.
“It has been an honor to be a vital part of the fabric of a growing community that has been able to maintain that small-town feel while embodying all the characteristics of a new version of small-town America. We take great pride in maintaining that balance and feel that those who live and work here really embrace that spirit of community,” says Tom Natelli.
FrederickYMCA.org
- HEALTH AND WELLNESS (E-GYM): The Health and Wellness center is the coolest place to break a sweat. It showcases 30 pieces of cardio equipment and more than 20 pieces of strength equipment. Here, you have the option to use technology with the eGYM equipment, which allows you to personalize the equipment to your body and workout style, all by scanning a wristband! A rooftop terrace is available for outdoor fitness classes. If you’re looking to add variety to your workout, this is the place for it!
- GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES: There are three spacious group exercise studios. Any level class, from spin and yoga to Bodycombat and Dance Rhythm Vibz, is included in your membership. You’ll have a tough time choosing just one to join! It’s not just about strength in numbers; it’s about moral support and accountability.
- INTERGENERATIONAL ROOM: This unique set-up serves as a gathering space for teens, seniors, and everyone in between. Featured is a fireplace, large screen TV and courtyard. Teens can dive into action using a virtual reality headset while their buddies finish up homework, complete a puzzle or watch some TV by the fireplace.
- GYMNASIUM: This is a full size gym featuring one basketball court (or three pickleball courts or two volleyball courts). An indoor track is elevated above the gym, allowing you to check out the action below. Sports equipment is available upon request, so meet your friends for a pick-up game!
- FUN ZONE: This space offers safe, interactive activities for kids ages three months to ten years of age. Colorful, clean and cohesive, the Fun Zone is ideal for children whose parents are exercising at the Y. A spectacular two-story climbing structure complete with hoops, ropes and a slide allows kids to burn off all that extra energy!
- AQUATICS: The Y offers an 8-lane, 25-yard competition pool as well as a family/class pool. This inclusive space is ideal for swim teams, fitness classes and swim lessons. On one end is a zero-depth entry pool complete with tumble buckets, a frog slide and spray jets. A sauna is available, too
