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Plainfield YMCA focuses attention on wellness
By BERNICE PAGLIA, Correspondent
PLAINFIELD -- A glance at the Plainfield Area YMCA
will soon reveal people exercising for wellness, and the goal is to
get more people inside to do the same.
 The Wellness Center will be front-and-center when the first phase of
a renovation plan is complete by early April. The center is being
moved upstairs, where windows will showcase the center and provide a
constant reminder that a first-class facility is available right in
the middle of the city. "We want as much visibility and light in this room as possible,"
YMCA President and Chief Executive Officer Addy Bonet said.
Overall, the entire building's interior is being reconfigured for
ease of access, greater security and a more efficient use of the
historical site. The YMCA's membership activities will be separate
from its programs that offer housing and shelter, and key-card entry
will add safety for all. On a tour of the building, Bonet showed off the progress of the
renovations that are designed to attract more members from
Plainfield and nearby towns. Besides its indoor track, pool and gym,
the YMCA has a weight-training room, steam room and sauna and will
soon offer yoga and Pilates classes. In addition to renovating men's
and women's locker rooms, the YMCA has added a room where parents
can take young children for changing clothes.
Bonet said the membership facilities hadn't had an upgrade for about
30 years. The activities offered will span all ages. Besides combating
childhood obesity and providing adults with a range of exercise
activities, the YMCA has a "Silver Sneakers" program for seniors.
"We are here for wellness," Bonet said.
As Bonet described some of the changes recently, member Landreth
Bute, 45, of Newark was signing in at the desk. Bute, who joined the
YMCA in 1988, said he likes the fact that it is quieter than most gyms.
"You're able to get in and out," he said.
Another appealing factor for Bute is the mix of people of all races
and backgrounds. "Once we're in gym clothes, we're all the same, and everyone gets
along," he said. Bute is all in favor of the upgrades.
"I believe it's totally positive. It's long overdue and definitely a
step in the right direction," Bute said. Changes
will start at the front door. Currently, there are two main doors off Watchung Avenue that lead to
fitness areas and the service programs. One door will become an
emergency exit only and railings will guide members to the
first-floor Wellness Center and related health activities. People
who are staying at the YMCA's homeless shelter or living in its
residence for single men will gain more privacy with a separate
entrance. Key cards will speed access and let staff know who is in
the building. Among other changes since Bonet arrived last summer, the YMCA board
has expanded from seven to 18. A strategic planning retreat in March
will "roll out our vision for the next three to five years," Bonet
said. Anthony Buonpane, the new vice-president for finance and housing
development, is implementing innovations including a parking lot
gate card, better security and software for administrative
functions. The YMCA still has all its traditional programs for young people and
adults, but Bonet wants people to take a fresh look.
"If you haven't been to the Y in a few years, you need to come in
and see what's going on," she said. |
