YMCA holds family legacy

The new YMCA will open to charter members and donors Monday, Nov. 1, and to the public Nov. 8.

David Hogan wanted to and did keep the legacy of his two sons alive.

Hogan and family have dedicated the new $15 million state-of-the-art YMCA, located off Hughes Road, to his late sons. The Craig and Steven Hogan Family YMCA will open to the public Nov. 8.

“When we found out that the YMCA was considering building a Y in Madison, we decided it would be a worthy cause to support,” said David Hogan. “This brings much joy and happiness to all our families–not just because Craig and Steven would be named on the center, but because the YMCA mission reflects the things that both our sons would promote with great vigor and something they believed in.”

The Hogan family, city officials and YMCA officers gave a tour and press conference at the YMCA, Thursday, Oct. 28.

“This has been the dream of city of Madison for over 10 years,” said Steve Shives, executive director of the Hogan Y. “Hundreds of volunteers and donors have pulled together to make this Y a reality, and we’re very excited to bring these programs to serve all of Madison and Madison County.”

Shives gave a tour of the YMCA. The 68,000 square foot building features a large indoor exercising gym complete with computerized equipment that keeps a schedule of workout sessions and notifies instructors of gaps in attendance, as well as a track on the second floor in the same room.

The facility also has two kid’s playrooms: one for infants and toddlers, and one for older children, which houses a three-story play set. Shives said they would maintain a “very strict” child-to-instructor ratio. A large artificial tree with a climbing system sits in the middle of facility.

The building also has several small meeting rooms, lounges and courts for basketball, volleyball, soccer, racquetball and soccer.

The aquatic center features a recreational pool with a slide, a whirlpool and a kid’s pool that comes complete with ground sprinklers and a play area.

Shives said one feature commonly seen throughout the building is the presence of natural night. All major rooms have large glass windows that let in generous amounts of light.

“Today is our first day coming here and it’s so overwhelming,” said Stephanie Hogan, Steve Hogan’s widow. “And we’re so thrilled at this beautiful place. “It’s just breathtaking to walk in and see what a legacy for the Hogans. It’s really an honor.”

She said her daughter, Sophia, would enjoy coming into the Y and seeing a plaque of her father and uncle.

“My husband was a tri-athlete and he loved working out,” she said. “He would have loved this facility. We’re thrilled to see what it’s going to do for the community.”

There will be an open house Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Y, located at 130 Park Square Lane.

Membership is $53 a month individually and $73 per family. For more information, call 256-428-9622.