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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

The YMCA of Chilton County’s Board of Directors and the City of Clanton announced jointly on Dec. 18 that the two have reached a cooperative agreement to allow the nonprofit to purchase the current building and other property on Ollie Avenue. The lease-purchase agreement includes the current YMCA of Chilton County building plus 1.37 acres of property and the area that is currently being utilized as the Youth Soccer Complex.

The agreement is for 10 years and will allow the purchase of the property by the YMCA without creating financial hardship for the nonprofit. Part of the agreement focuses on providing additional opportunities for senior citizens in Chilton County, allowing senior citizens to utilize the YMCA facility and grounds for walking and other exercises at a reduced rate or no charge. This comes in response to the recent news of the Senior Connection program leaving its current location at Park Plaza, and finding more alternatives for the older generation.

“Many of our senior citizens also have an exercise benefit with their insurance plans that will cover the costs of a full membership to the YMCA,” Lori Patterson, Executive Director of the YMCA of Chilton County, said. “This will allow participation in our Silver Sneakers classes that are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, our Brain and Body classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, and access to all weight equipment.”

The agreement also provides additional programs like the ones listed by Patterson to allow senior citizens to utilize the YMCA gymnasium for indoor walking and exercise during specific times of the day. With the YMCA’s nearby location to Ollie Park, walking paths and other recreational opportunities will be conveniently available to them as well. Plans to have expanded programs for senior citizens to enjoy lunch, meetings, card games and other activities together are included in the agreement too.

“We recognize and appreciate the many contributions of the YMCA to our community, (and) the positive impact of the YMCA on our young people is readily apparent by the number of participants involved in the youth programs,” Jeff Mims, Mayor of Clanton, said in the announcement release. “The YMCA serves a vital function in meeting the needs of residents of all ages and we especially appreciate their continuing efforts in creating opportunities for people to improve their lives and their communities.”

Patterson and the Board of Directors with YMCA said they are both excited about the opportunity to purchase the current building and soccer complex property. The agreement adds to the ever-growing and long-standing relationship of cooperation and mutual advocacy for the community between the YMCA and the City of Clanton. While adding the new features for senior citizens, the YMCA plans to continue its growth as they serve the people of Chilton County through programs that focus on youth development, social responsibility and healthy living.

For more information about the YMCA of Chilton County and the services they offer, contact the nonprofit at 205-755-2382 or visit their website at www.ymcaofchiltoncounty.com. The YMCA of Chilton County is located at 405 Ollie Avenue in Clanton.