YMCA will open Whitehall branch

The YMCA of Central Ohio will open a branch at Whitehall Community Park, 402 N. Hamilton Road, after the city invests about $ 5.5 million to renovate the existing activities building and construct an open- air gymnasium.

Whitehall Mayor Kim Maggard said the new YMCA would be a fi rst of its kind, offering social programs and classes based on science, math and engineering, in addition to the usual sports and recreation activities.

“It will be more than a regular Y. It will be a model with social programming meant to increase the quality of life for our residents of all ages,” Maggard said.

There is no timeline to complete the remodel of the activities building, but once it’s fi nished, the YMCA will lease the building, provide programming and staff, and take care of maintenance, she said.

Whitehall Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Sorrell said under optimal conditions, the new Y would open in the second half of 2019.