PLAINVILLE – The wellness center at Wheeler YMCA on Farmington Avenue debuted a new and improved look Monday after two weeks of extensive renovations.

“We wanted to bring the energy back,” said Chris Hibbs, associate director of healthy living at the and health and wellness director at the regional YMCA. 

Everything but the ceiling was re-done and painted, including the removal of a wall for more space. 

Group classes were previously not held in the wellness center and were instead in smaller rooms down the hall. With the renovations offering more space however, Hibbs said classes will soon be offered in the center.

YMCA Membership Coordinator Jen Farina said 75 to 80 percent of members, about 400 to 450 a day, use the wellness center. Use is expected to increase due to the upgrades.

Turf was added for stretching and as an all-purpose area along with new equipment pieces for strength training. Music will also be able to be played for the first time within the center.

“It needed a refresh,” Hibbs said. “Our goal is to make it more popular.”

The more than $200,000 renovation project was funded by the Greater Hartford YMCA and an annual endowment from the Wheeler family, namesake of the regional branch in Plainville.

More information can be found at http://www.ghymca.org/branch.cfm?bid=08 

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