Westport, CT, July 1, 2014 – Kids were jumping for joy – and tumbling, bouncing and a whole lot more – at the new Y Gymnastics Center's Grand Opening party on Saturday, June 28.
Hundreds of local children and their families enjoyed free rein of the bright new, 6,500 sq. ft. space at 145 Main Street in Norwalk, the temporary new home of the Westport Weston Family Y's acclaimed Gymnastics Program.
The center's new Tumble Track – think of a sidewalk turned trampoline – was a big draw, and Y gymnastics staff and students spent a busy morning guiding streams of youngsters along the balance beams, up and over the uneven bars and other apparatus and across the cushy spring floor, filled with play equipment for toddlers.
"It was a great turnout, and we're so happy everybody had such a good time," said Y Gymnastics Director Sally Silverstein. "We served 150 Sno-cones by 11 am, and a number of families took us up on our special one-day offer of a 25 percent discount on any of our gymnastics summer camps."
The kids weren't the only guests with big smiles on their faces.
"This new Gymnastics Center solidifies the Y presence in Norwalk in a very positive, collaborative way between the Westport Weston Family Y, the Wilton Family Y and the Norwalk YMCA," said Fred Wirth, a Norwalk YMCA Board leader. "It's an important step in our efforts to rebuild programs for Y families and children in our community."
Wirth, a Norwalk YMCA board member since the '80s, has been involved with the Y since attending Y child care in the 1950s. "For my family, the question was, 'where do kids go to do something wholesome, fun and safe? Our answer way back then was the Y, and for these young families, the answer is the same today."
Joining Wirth at a brief dedication ceremony was fellow Norwalk Y board member Andrew LaSala; Bob McDowell, CEO of the Wilton and Norwalk Ys; Westport Weston Family Y CEO Rob Reeves and Family Y Board President Bonnie Strittmatter; State Senator Bob Duff, representing Norwalk; and State Representative Gail Lavielle, whose district includes Norwalk, Wilton and Westport. Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling stopped by later in the day to tour the facility and congratulate Director Sally Silverstein, a Norwalk native, on the Y's move to the Main Street location.
With its high ceilings and conveniently located near US-1 and the Route 7 connector, the Y's new Gymnastics Center provides an additional 2,500 sq. ft. than the current facility. Along with a Tumble Track and the addition of new equipment in the uneven bar and balance beam area, the new Center is now be able to provide training for elite-level gymnasts.
Property owner Stanley Seligson beamed with pride as he saw the Y's new facility filled with local families. "This space was my own company's home for many years, so it's a special place to me. It's a big deal for me personally, as well – as a kid, I set up pins in the bowling alley at the Norwalk YMCA. So I know the value that the Y brings to our community and wish them great success in their new home."
For more information about the Westport Weston Family Y's Gymnastics program and its new Gymnastic Center at 145 Main St. in Norwalk, please contact Sally Silverstein at ssilverstein@westporty.org or call 203-857-1139.