More than 300 people attended the grand opening of the new $9.5 million Lampeter-Strasburg YMCA on Friday, May 22 in Village Park in Lampeter. The event also honored the hundreds of businesses and community members who donated $2.5 million toward the project.

The 38,000-square-foot facility includes a large gymnasium for basketball and volleyball, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness rooms and workout room with more than 50 pieces of equipment, including treadmills and stationary bikes.

The facility also features a child-watch area where parents can have their children looked after while they work out. Also, the I-Zone, a room designed for youth fitness, incorporates video games such as “Dance Dance Revolution” and “Wii Fit” to get younger people interested in exercise.

The L-S YMCA is a joint effort of the Lampeter-Strasburg Recreation Commission, Strasburg Borough, Strasburg and West Lampeter townships, the L-S School District and the Lancaster YMCA. The L-S YMCA offers a variety of group fitness classes, swim lessons, youth sports and fitness programs, along with existing L-S Rec Commission programs.

Opportunities remain for businesses and residents to contribute toward the building campaign, which can be paid over a five-year period. Also, to become a member of the L-S YMCA, visit the facility at 800 Village Road (Route 741) or call 464-4000 for more information.

The L-S YMCA is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The outdoor pool is open Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 8 p.m.

More information on the services and programs offered at the new YMCA can be found at www.lancasterymca.org or by calling their offices at (717) 464-4000.