Edmond’s Mitch Park YMCA

Last Friday was bitterly cold in Edmond.  In fact it was the 4th bitterly cold day in a row.  So cold that Edmond and Deer Creek schools cancelled classes so students wouldn’t have to walk outside.  So what did practically the entire city of cabin-fever crazed moms and kiddos do?  They swarmed the new Edmond Mitch Park YMCA grand opening to burn off some cooped up energy and dream of warm summer days full of swimming.

From the grand lounge style entrance complete with retro green leather couches and a modern style fireplace, the front desk aka Grand Central Station looked to be a bit overwhelmed but running in smooth coordination.  Lines were formed for family sign ups and tour registration.  Those guests who chose to tour the facility on their own were immediately drawn to a bank of windows overlooking the Olympic swimming pools and awe-inspiring indoor splash pad.  I brought Autumn with me (2 1/2 years) and her jaw dropped as soon as she saw all the colorful slides and laughing kids ready for their swim lessons.  I have a feeling we’ll spend several afternoons escaping the beating sun this summer at that splash pad. 

Next up was the kids’ play area where Autumn waived through the window to the lucky kids climbing the walls of a giant play ship, sitting in circles for story time and practicing their cooking skills in the play kitchen.  Glass doors look out onto an equally exciting outdoor play gym area that will be buzzing once the weather calms this spring.  Walking away from the kids play center caused a mild temper tantrum in my Terrible Two but inside I didn’t really blame her. 

The grown-up rooms at the new Edmond YMCA were huge and top-notch.  Several basketball courts were full of team competition, two class studios waited yoga, Pilates, Zumba and Kickboxing students.  Upstairs a suspended track gives joggers and walkers a fun view of the activity below. 

It’s no wonder Edmond, OK has been appearing on so many national Top lists lately.  Best Suburb, Best Place to Raise a Family, Best Place to Build a Home.  Our community has so much to offer families with award winning schools, low crime rate, culturally rich educational experiences and thanks go Mayor Mick Cornett and the new MAPS program, a growing interest in our physical growth and health.

We’re excited to support the growth of a city that supports us all so well.  We’re committing to design this blog to continue to spotlight many more fun family activities and shops that make our city great.  We’d love to hear your opinion.  Have you visited the new Edmond Mitch Park YMCA?  What part did you and your kids love the best?  Do you have a great Edmond shop or activity you think we should visit, photograph and tell other families about too?  Leave your comments below and share with your friends.