The partnership between the City of Kalona and YMCA of Washington County is going well. The city council and YMCA board agreed to the terms of a two year contract in November and began their partnership in January.

City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh says they’re very pleased with the number of people taking advantage of the Y’s programs and the substantial increase in memberships. According to Becky Harkema, director of YMCA of Washington County, Kalona’s 385 members accessed the community center with their membership cards nearly 900 times in March.

Schlabaugh adds residents have had nothing but positive things to say about the programming Harkema, Angie Boyse, Christina Nash and Marcus Hall are providing. Offerings range from fitness classes to volleyball and racquetball leagues.

He shares that with the facility’s usage increasing dramatically, the city is seeking grant funding through the Washington County Riverboat Foundation to replace weights and equipment like treadmills and elliptical machines.