Open House at Crozet Park May 5 Marks YMCA Debut

The Crozet Park Aquatics and Recreation Center, alias Crozet P.A.R.C., a joint venture of The Piedmont Family Y.M.C.A. and Claudius Crozet Park, will showcase its programs for western Albemarle Saturday, May 5, when the YMCA hosts a special open house event at the park from 2 until 5 p.m. Tours of the renovated facility will be offered along with discount membership, special camp and program offers, Quick Start tennis demonstrations and an information session for the Crozet Gators Swim team.

Construction of a pool dome structure that makes the pool a year-round facility will be finished this month and the Y will begin to deliver year-round swim programs. It will also oversee a state-of-the-art fitness center next to the pool that will feature the latest in exercise equipment and a full range of programs designed in accordance with the YMCA’s mission of building communities through supporting members’ bodies, minds and spirits, according to Denny Blank, CEO of the Piedmont Family YMCA.

The P.A.R.C. will be a family-friendly facility will also allow the YMCA to expand its popular summer camp programming to include year-round child and teen-friendly programs, he said, including martial arts classes, a teen leadership club, CPR/AED and First Aid certification and more.

“We are so excited to share all that the YMCA has to offer with the people of Crozet,” said Jessica Maslaney, site director of the Crozet P.A.R.C.  “We know that especially in these times, taking care of your health and fitness needs can be difficult to do. We are happy to be able to offer the Crozet community the kind of innovative programming and community building initiatives that are at the core of the YMCA experience.”

“We have greatly enjoyed sharing our summer camp programs and sports programs with many families in Crozet over the past few years,” said Blank. “Now, with the opening of this facility, we look forward to being a positive force in this community for many years to come.”

“My wife and I fell in love with the Crozet community and have raised three children here,” said Kelly Strickland, a member of the Claudius Crozet Park Board. “We have always found Crozet to be the best kept secret in Central Virginia.  While we have been devoted fans of the Piedmont Family YMCA, our family has never enjoyed commuting to Charlottesville for programs.  The Crozet P.A.R.C. is sure to be a tremendous resource and a perfect fit for Claudius Crozet Park.”

The new removable pool dome will be in place from September through May each year, transforming the 8-lane, 25-meter pool into a year-round aquatic center. Programming will include learn-to-swim classes ranging from “Mommy and Me” preschool classes to classes for adults; a special Lifeguard Training pilot program as part of the Ben Hair “Just Swim for Life” program; fitness programs including water aerobics and therapeutic swim programs; and recreational programs that will include everything from lap swimming to birthday parties and after-school events.

The newly renovated fitness center will feature cardio and strength training equipment, plus an aerobics studio that can also be used as a multi-purpose room. Programs will include cardio and strength-training exercise classes along with mind/body and prenatal exercise classes.

Quick Start tennis sessions will be offered along with basketball on the park’s two outdoor courts. Future plans for the P.A.R.C. include building perimeter walking and running trails around the 23-acre park, which also features picnic pavilions, two playgrounds, two Little League fields, a tee-ball field, soccer field and festival/concert grounds.

Monthly membership rates at the Crozet P.A.R.C. are: $45 for adults (ages 19-64); $40 for older adults (65+); $65 for families; $35 for students (with college ID) and $20 for youth (18 and under).

Daily passes and scholarships are also available. For more information on Crozet P.A.R.C. visit www.piedmontymca.org or call 434-974-9622.