The Parkland YMCA Family Center Membership Drive Has Begun with the Message "First Class Facility, First Class Director, First Class Programs"

Parkland, FL, January 17, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The initial Parkland YMCA Family Center membership drive ahead of the opening of the new Parkland community facility has begun in earnest. “We are very proud to partner with the City of Parkland in a first class facility, with a first class director and a set of first class programs designed for the community,” says Sheryl Woods, President and CEO, YMCA Broward County. “The new Center is state-of-the-art, and the quality programs and services included in the membership fee were developed to provide for the entire family. We offer a world of fitness options and recreational activities to individuals and families of any age. We introduce a first class director to the Parkland community; Greg Smith, with his invaluable years of experience as a YMCA director in Central Florida, Houston and Sarasota, will head up the well trained, professional, caring and committed staff.”

The membership drive is underway in the local community with brochures, direct mail, notices in local newspapers, advertisements in Broward County’s Sun Sentinel and flyers in community schools. The City of Parkland has spotlighted the campaign on its web site and the Parkland YMCA has launched its own website featuring an easy to use signup procedure and highlighting the many benefits of membership. Prominent among these are the facilities of the new 24,000SF premises, complete with the state-of-the-art Wellness Center, its functional and strength training and cardiovascular equipment. The use of the dedicated Child Watch Center, fully staffed by professionals, is complimentary with family memberships.

The Executive Director of the Parkland YMCA, Gregory J. Smith, is a graduate of the University of Central Florida (majors in Psychology and Sociology) with a wealth of experience in YMCA Center operations. After 7 years with the Orlando YMCA, followed by 3 with the YMCA of Greater Houston, Texas, he returned to Florida in 2004 and joined the Sarasota Family YMCA as an Associate Executive Director. A former college athlete, he has been instrumental in designing new sports programs. “My particular interest is in programs for the family, and in the development of youth for better social integration. The Parkland YMCA Family Center will be the first of its kind in Broward County, partnering with the City to provide the members of our community with opportunities to develop life-long healthy habits,” Greg explains. “The first class programs we offer have been designed with a comprehensive approach, and with particular attention to involving parents in the healthy development of their children.”

The Parkland YMCA Family Center has a mission to be a wonderful neighbor and a strong, positive addition to the Parkland community. Membership to the Parkland YMCA Family Center entitles families to participate together in a large choice of sports clinics, wellness seminars, exercise classes, health and wellness programs, access to first class facilities and professionally trained staff. The YMCA is recognized consistently for the positive impact their Family Centers have on building strong kids, strong families, strong communities, and by enhancing family lifestyles through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind and body.

Call the Parkland YMCA Family Center at 954.384.9622 for more information about memberships and programs. VIP memberships are available online at www.ParklandYMCA.org.

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