YMCA Unveils New Wellness Center, Fitness Equipment at Easton YMCA

EASTON - River Crossing YMCA hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the newly renovated and updated wellness center today at the Easton-Phillipsburg branch located at 1225 W Lafayette St. The center had been closed for renovation and equipment installation since Feb. 2.

The newly refreshed Easton Y wellness center includes new flooring, freshly painted and reconfigured work out spaces, an expanded free weight area with new weights, and a fully functional, turfed training area. The new wellness center also features brand new, high-end cardio and strength-building equipment including treadmills, bikes, elliptical machines, stair climbers and weight-training machines. The new wellness center was bustling with members excited to work out on the all new equipment.

“Everything is so lovely,” shared member Agnes Rawson, who works out every morning at River Crossing YMCA’s Easton branch. “I tried the new crunch machine and the new treadmill with the steep incline. I’ve been talking with my friends and they love it too. It’s all gorgeous and state-of-the-art. Everyone who comes in is going to love it.”

The Y’s VP of operations for the Lehigh Valley Region Crystal Messer was joined by colleagues, volunteers, community leaders and elected officials to celebrate River Crossing YMCA’s latest investment in the health and wellness of the Lehigh Valley community. Deputy Director of Northampton County Community and Economic Development Marek Tomanek, PA State Representative Bob Freeman (HD 136) and Easton Vice-Mayor Frank Pintabone were on hand to show the Y their support.

“The YMCA has created a great following for many who live in the Easton area, not only to stay fit and be healthy, but also as a gathering spot to meet friends and make connections,” said State Representative Freeman. “The Y gives us a place for social connection, which is just as important for health as exercise and nutrition.”

Rep. Freeman presented Messer with a certificate of recognition from the Commonwealth of PA in honor of the newly renovated wellness center. He noted that the work of the River Crossing YMCA team provides outstanding wellness, child care and senior programming to the Easton community.

Vice-Mayor Pintabone recalled his connections to the Y growing up in Easton.

“I learned to swim when the Easton Y was downtown,” he remarked. “When I was a freshman at Northampton Community College I worked part time right here in this wellness center. I want to thank all of you for what you do for the people of Easton and Phillipsburg, and congratulate you on this beautiful new wellness center.”

Deputy Director Tomanak also presented a certificate of achievement to the Y on behalf of Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinski.  

“The Y has been an institution in this community for over 100 years,” Tomanek said. “Their commitment to the wellness of our community shines in moments like this. The new wellness center is a breath of fresh air in this space and we congratulate the YMCA for its success.”

Following the ribbon-cutting, members and guests were invited to explore the new wellness center and equipment, with trained YMCA staff providing guidance and answering questions. Y members have exclusive access to the new wellness center for the rest of this week. Then beginning Monday Feb. 23, Messer said, all are invited to try the Y for free through Mar. 1.

“As beautiful as our new center is, this is just the place,” Messer explained. “But it’s the place where life changing work happens, where disease prevention happens, where people can come to achieve balance and mobility along with friendship and camaraderie. A newly refreshed YMCA wellness center offers everyone a fresh start, and we look forward to having you.”

River Crossing YMCA announced today that anyone may “Try the Y” for free at any of their branches in Lehigh, Northampton, Bucks and Hunterdon counties Feb. 23 - Mar. 1, and new members can sign up and pay no join fee through Mar. 8.