ROCKWALL, TX (March 22, 2014) By the time this article is published, the familiar entrance to the YMCA at 1210N. Goliadin Rockwall will have been leveled, making way for a 12,000 sq. ft. addition.
The expansion project is part of a nearly $5 million master plan, made possible by the generous donation of local businessman JER “Bob” Chilton, and the ongoing support of donors to the Y’s Capital Campaign.
By October 2014, the JER Chilton YMCA expects to host a grand opening celebration, officially introducing the Dallas YMCA Association’s newly renovated, flagship facility. The fitness room will span nearly 6,000 sq. ft. and house state-of-the-art weight and cardio equipment. There will be spacious showers and locker rooms, and a large child watch room. The gymnasium will have a new wood floor. TheWelcomeCenterwill be expanded, and the Y will sport an entirely new front elevation. Updates to the indoor pool have already been completed.
“When I came to Rockwall in December of 2012, I knew the sky’s the limit,” said Bonnie LaVielle, Executive Director. “The Rockwall Y already served as a model for other Y branches, and I saw no limit to what we could accomplish with the support of such an engaged community. We got busy right away taking the Y to the next level.”
Building community…brick by brick
LaVielle said that community support and member retention has been phenomenal during the Y’s transformation. Historically, memberships dip or go flat during construction or relocation, but the JER Chilton Y has seen its membership grow steadily.
“There’s excitement in every area; the community sees it and is behind us. Our members may not know from one day to the next where they’ll hang their coat when they come to exercise, but we take every step to accommodate them as we renovate, with little disruption to our programs and services,” LaVielle said. She cited an 83% member retention rate – a very high percentage compared to other YMCA’s across the nation.
As part of the Y’s Capital Campaign, community members may purchase a personally engraved brick for their family, business or to honor the memory of a loved one. Look for more info to come on the JER Chilton website, stop by the Welcome Center, or call 972-772-9622.
A place for family
“It used to be that people thought of the Y as a just a gym/swim organization, but the Rockwall community understands that it’s much more than that. We’re family,” said LaVielle, whose connection with the Y runs deep. Bonnie is one of six children; five of them have worked for the Y.
“Between us, we have more than 100 years experience at various Y branches,” she said. “My father was a pastor. We grew up traveling the country singing at different churches. The Y emphasizes Christian values, and when we got older and took positions at the Y, it became an extension of that ministry – more of a mission than a job.”
LaVielle began as a front desk clerk at the Park Cities Y 25 years ago, and has served in just about every position. Before coming to Rockwall, she was Associate VP of Financial Development for the Forth Worth YMCA Association.
“When the opportunity opened up here, I knew I had to do it. The Rockwall Y was the place everyone wanted to be,” LaVielle said. “Then I learned about the Rockwall Y’s Angel Camp program, and I knew I had to make the move.”
Angel Camp
The JER Chilton YMCA’s Angel Camp program is a day camp for children ages 6 to 18 with special needs. Horseback riding, swimming, sailing and canoeing are among the w outdoor adventures the children enjoy. Angel Camp registration is going on now. The program runs June 18 through August 15.
LaVielle is passionate about Angel Camp, and said she was thrilled to learn that on April 27, Dodie’s Cajun Diner will host its Annual All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish Fest at The Harbor, with proceeds from ticket sales benefiting the Angel Camp program.
“There is such a sense of community here that we are so lucky to have,” LaVielle said. “I don’t know if I’d be okay working somewhere where I couldn’t make a difference. The Y changes lives, and I think that’s why everyone wants to be a part of that.”
By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News, all rights reserved.
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