First YMCA in North Las Vegas celebrates grand opening

Aida Ahmed

Adults try out a free fitness class at the new SkyView Multi-Generational Center Saturday morning.

By Aida Ahmed

Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011 | 1:29 p.m.

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As children took turns in the bouncy house and the Legacy High School Jazz Band performed, the line to sign up for North Las Vegas’ SkyView Multi-Generational Center was out the door Saturday morning.

With a chance to try programs at the center for free, hundreds of families waited patiently to join the first YMCA in North Las Vegas.

Teresa Lakes, a five-year resident of North Las Vegas, and her two young children waited for the long line to go down so she could sign up.

“I’ve never been to a (YMCA) before so I thought I’d come and check it out,” said Lakes. “I plan on joining. I really like the swim classes and the kids' gym.”

Before the 36,000 square-foot SkyView Center opened, Lakes said, she used the city’s Neighborhood and Silver Mesa recreation centers for parties and special events. But after hearing that the city may close down those centers she was relieved that she and her children have another option.

“I’m glad this one is closer to my house. And, being a brand new facility, I think it’s going to be a great asset to our community,” said Lakes.

The SkyView Center, funded by a partnership with the city, held its grand opening Saturday, more than three months after it first opened.

YMCA branch executive director Brianna Gerrity said the city runs and maintains the new facility.

“The city is in control of the building and we operate the programs out of the facility, like the swimming lessons, the summer camps, the expenses of the staff,” said Gerrity. “It is different (from the city’s recreation centers) because you have to pay for your programming through the YMCA’s fee structure.”

SkyView Center’s grand opening comes a month after the North Las Vegas City Council voted to shutter the city’s two recreation centers to close the remaining budget gap for this fiscal year.

Many citizens pleaded with the council on the decision to shut down the community centers. Concessions given by the city’s police unions earlier this month allow the centers to remain open, at least until July 2012.

North Las Vegas citizens’ biggest concerns were about fees at the new facility in case the city’s community centers close.

Gerrity said that the YMCA offers scholarships for families who cannot pay the annual dues.

“We don’t turn anybody away due to their inability to afford our services. We have scholarships for folks who are in need of assistance to our programs,” said Gerrity.

People who stop by the center before 4 p.m. Saturday can waive the introductory fee and sign up for one service at no cost.