New Plover YMCA to bring fitness, pickleball and wellness programs to village

By Patrick Lynn

PLOVER — Residents will get their first official look at the new Plover YMCA later this month when the Stevens Point Area YMCA hosts a grand opening celebration at its newest location in the former Younkers building.

The event is scheduled for 3-6 p.m. Monday, June 29, at 1776 Plover Road and will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, facility tours, refreshments, raffle prizes and membership specials. The celebration is free and open to the public.

The new facility serves as a satellite branch of the Stevens Point Area YMCA, bringing fitness and wellness services closer to residents in Plover and neighboring communities.

The location features a wellness center with cardio and strength-training equipment, four indoor pickleball courts, a turf training area, an indoor walking track and 24-hour member access. YMCA officials said they also hope to add group exercise classes and additional wellness programming in the future.

“The opening of the Plover YMCA represents an exciting new chapter for our organization and our community,” said Ryan Zietlow, president and CEO of the Stevens Point Area YMCA. “We are creating a welcoming space where people of all ages can focus on their health, connect with others, and build a stronger sense of community.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to enter raffles for YMCA gift certificates, a pickleball-themed basket and other prizes. Anyone who signs up for a membership during the event will receive a waived joiner fee and a complimentary YMCA swag item.

The Stevens Point Area YMCA has served Portage County for more than 55 years and says the new branch is intended to help meet growing demand for health and wellness opportunities in the Plover area.