SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Steel and precast walls have arrived, a towering crane is now on site, and construction continues to move forward at the new Hutchinson YMCA location at 20th Avenue and Lorraine Street.
Hutchinson YMCA Executive Director David Foster said visible progress is becoming more apparent with steel structures rising above the blue construction fence that surrounds the future facility, which will replace the current YMCA at 716 E. 13th Ave.
“They had to put the crane together last week, which took several days,” Foster said. “Steel was delivered Monday, and precast walls are being moved into place. Pretty soon, people driving by will really start to see it take shape above the fence line.”
Despite recent rainfall, Foster said the weather hasn’t delayed progress significantly.
“We’ve gotten a big test the last few days with all the rain, but it hasn’t slowed things down,” he said. “They’ve stayed on schedule, which is really exciting.”
The gymnasium floor slab is expected to be poured this week, and the outdoor pool has already been excavated. Drainage systems are also being tested as the site begins to take more permanent shape.
Fall Football Registration Underway
While summer is still settling in, registration is open for the YMCA's youth tackle football league. The deadline to sign up is July 8, with practices beginning the week of August 4 and games kicking off September 6, just after Labor Day.
The league is open to students grouped by grade, which helps them build chemistry as they progress into middle and high school football programs.
“We typically have more than 300 kids involved and form around 20 to 25 teams,” Foster said. “They’ll play weekly games, with home matchups at Don Michael Field or in Buhler, and travel as far as Arkansas City.”
Fees for the fall season are $150 for Y members and $200 for non-members.
Gymnastics and Swim Lessons Offered Year-Round
Monthly enrollment is now open for gymnastics and swim academy classes. Foster noted that both programs operate year-round thanks to the indoor facilities, helping children and adults alike build confidence and learn essential skills.
“We’ve had people in their 70s learn to swim with us,” Foster said. “It’s never too late to gain that confidence in the water. We’re trying to break the generational fear that sometimes gets passed down.”
He also expects a boost in interest as the Summer Olympics and next year’s World Cup energize youth interest in athletic programs.
Pack the Pool Set for June 27
The YMCA will host “Pack the Pool” at 6 p.m. on June 27 at several Wichita-area YMCA branches, including Andover, North, South and Northwest. The event features back-to-back group exercise classes both on land and in the water. Register by June 26 at ymcawichita.org/packthepools.
“It’s a big group exercise party,” Foster said. “We’ll have four to five formats going on, and it’s free for members. You can register online, but if you just show up, we won’t turn you away.”
Growing Membership and Hiring Opportunities
Foster said Hutchinson Y membership has already grown to more than 5,000 members, with expectations that number could double once the new facility opens. The YMCA currently employs about 6 full-time and 60–65 part-time staff, and hiring will ramp up as opening day approaches.
“We’re hiring now, lifeguards, kid zone attendants, membership service associates,” Foster said. “Anyone interested can apply online. And the YMCA is still one of the best first jobs you can have.”
Job listings can be found at ymcawichita.org/careers by searching for “Hutchinson.”
For more information, residents can visit the current Hutchinson YMCA at 716 E. 13th Ave., call (620) 662-1203, or visit ymcawichita.org/Hutchinson.
“You can also follow our Facebook for our 'Behind the Fence' updates,” Foster added. “You’ll be seeing a lot more pop up above the fence very soon.”