For years, the Macomb Family YMCA has been a place for families to enjoy some quality time and nurture their minds, bodies, and spirits, says Susan Jarzeboski, Membership Experience Director at the YMCA. Originally located on Dickinson, though records are unclear on the year it opened, the current location on North River Road in Mount Clemens opened in 1969 on land donated by the Mount Clemens Lions Club in 1966. Ever since, says Susan, “It has been a pillar of the community.”
Some have visited almost since then. Felicia Young met her husband Will in 1973, and as she was too young to date, she met him each Friday at the “Y” for Teen Night. Today, married 42 years, she says, “We enjoy the Silver Sneakers program at the YMCA.”
The Youngs, along with other families in the area, find many good reasons to belong to the YMCA. Enjoying the pool (with open swim time offered daily), playing basketball, wallyball, or racquetball are some of the activities available for families to enjoy together, parents and children alike. For children over 12, with a signed waiver and orientation, parents and children can work out together in the fitness center. Susan notes that the YMCA is a place where families can go, leave their digital devices behind, and spend some quality time together.
For busy parents looking for a date night, the Macomb Family YMCA has the answer. “We offer a member benefit called ‘Parents Night Out,’” says Susan. “It is offered once a month to members on a Friday evening from 4:00-8:00 PM. Parents can drop the kids off for a few hours of fun and structured activities, with pizza being served as well. The entire family enjoys a night out!” Alternatively, parents can make use of the Child Watch program, allowing them time to work out or use the facility on their own while their children enjoy games, movies, or coloring.
Macomb Family YMCA has plenty of offerings for children. This summer, says Susan, “we are currently running a summer day camp, karate, and swim lessons.” In fact, the YMCA introduced the idea of group swim lessons over 100 years ago, and the organization teaches over one million children essential swimming skills each year.
Activities coming soon at the “Y” for children include basketball, dance, and “Tiny Chefs”—a class for little ones to learn simple recipes and cooking basics to build life skills and confidence. No matter which you choose, says Susan, “They are all great programs to bring kids and families together in a safe place.”
Giving back is also an essential part of the YMCA. According to Susan, last year the Macomb Family YMCA distributed food boxes to needy families in the area, and this summer is partnering again with Huron-Clinton Metroparks to offer free swim lessons for 150 kids aged 5-15.
As part of the YMCA Metropolitan Detroit Association, the organization’s mission is powerful. To find out for yourself, visit the Macomb Family YMCA’s website at ymcadetroit.org.
The YMCA is a place where families can go, leave their digital devices behind, and spend some quality time together