YMCA Of Bucks Co. Announces New Programs, Renovations (ICYMI)

FAIRLESS HILLS, PA — The YMCA of Bucks County on Monday announced that it is planning to offer expanded programs, even as it invests in new facilities and equipment at its existing locations.

A slate of new programs was announced even as the YMCA branches work to complete its $20 million "For A Better Us" fundraising campaign that will see facility expansions and renovations at the Fairless Hills and Doylestown branches.

In Doylestown, the Y announced the branch will be expanded to include additional exercise studios, an expanded weight room area and larger fitness center. The current family locker room will be expanded to include 23 individual changing rooms.

In Fairless Hills, the renovation will be more drastic, providing an expanded fitness center, new universal locker room, new program space, a community gathering area, and additional parking. The building's interior and exterior also will be given an updated look.

The Doylestown project is expected to break ground in late 2019 and Fairless Hills construction should start in 2020.

New Programs

The Bucks County YMCA also announced expansions to its free community impact program at all five branches.

In Quakertown, a Veterans Wellness program will start in late 2019. It also will continue offering its 7th Grade Initiative, providing free memberships and specialized programming for the middle school students during a crucial time in their lives.

The veterans program and Healthy Lifestyles, a diabetes and weight-loss program, will continue at Lower Bucks YMCAs. The 7th-grade initiative recently underwent a facelift at the Fairless Hills and Newtown branches, providing more programs and services for youth at that age level.

Also, Empower U, a fitness and empowerment program for teen girls, and THRIVE, a specialized fitness program for cancer survivors, will launch in 2019 in Fairless Hills.

The Warminster branch recently launched Back to You, a substance abuse recovery program offered free to community members through a partnership with several county organizations.

Warminster will continue to offer the veterans program. Meanwhile, Doylestown's YMCA offers Living Active for older adults, Healthy Lifestyles, Empower U, THRIVE and Veterans Wellness.

A new program in Doylestown, Healthy Weight and Your Child, launched this month and is designed to combat childhood obesity.

New Equipment

The Newtown branch recently got more than 30 new pieces of cardio and strength equipment. All wall-mounted televisions were replaced and upgraded and the fitness center and weight room areas were refurbished.

New group exercise classes were added in Newtown and the climate-control and ventilation systems were upgraded as well.

Cardio equipment also is being replaced and updated at the Quakertown, Doylestown and Fairless Hills branches.

"The equipment upgrades signify the Y's commitment to consistently assess and increase the value of membership at each of their branches and create opportunities for wellness and disease prevention across Bucks County," the county Y said in a release Monday.

NovaCare Rehabilitation

In March, the Y's partnership with NovaCare Rehabilitation expanded into the Quakertown and Fairless Hills branches.

Novacare physical therapists are on site to evaluate members suffering pain and answering questions and making recommendations for their conditions.

The screenings are offered free to YMCA members but require an appointment. NovaCare clinicians will treat patients on site, providing physical therapy to those who qualify.

"As a charitable organization, the Y's mission is to strengthen community," said Zane Moore, President/CEO of YMCA of Bucks County. "We are so proud to announce these continued steps in our commitment to countywide health and wellness."