ON THE MOVE IN MENOMONIE. With the acquisition of the former Menomonie Health & Fitness locations, YMCA of the Chippewa Valley is now the area's largest health and wellness organization – host to over 20,000 members. (Photo via ymca-cv.org)

This spring, the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley announced its plans to expand into Menomonie, a move that would make the YMCA the area’s largest health organization. As of April, that expansion was made official with the former Menomonie Health & Fitness locations transitioning into the new Menomonie East and Menomonie South YMCAs.

Derek White, president and CEO of the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley, said the organization would be “answering the call to expand into a new market,” after a Spring 2024 feasibility study found a significant desire among locals for YMCA services in Menomonie.

The new Menomonie YMCA locations have long been home to fitness centers; Menomonie Health & Fitness opened its doors in 2019 by locals John and Vannella Englund. Its original location was the former Sully’s Gym, and in 2022, Menomonie Health & Fitness acquired the former Bodyworks Athletic Club.

Through this expansion, the YMCA will enhance access to youth development programs, chronic disease prevention, free 'Child Watch' for Family Memberships, financial assistance for those in need, and a wide range of group fitness options. –John Englund, Menomonie YMCA executive director

YMCA signage officially went up in June at the Menomonie South (1508 9th St. E) and Menomonie East (3019 Schneider Ave. SE) facilities.

As part of Menomonie Health & Fitness’s transition, John Englund also stepped into a new role: executive director of both new YMCA locations.

“This transition marks a significant milestone for our community,” Englund stated in a recent online update. “Through this expansion, the YMCA will enhance access to youth development programs, chronic disease prevention, free ‘Child Watch’ for Family Memberships, financial assistance for those in need, and a wide range of group fitness options.”

Notably, the Menomonie expansion marks another first for the organization: Menomonie South is the area YMCA’s first 24/7 facility (accessible by key fob).

Menomonie South and Menomonie East offer slightly different amenities; The 24/7 Menomonie South facility is home to free weights and weighted cable machines, cardio equipment, personal training and programming, physical therapy, and turf, among other features. Menomonie East is home to the same amenities, minus the turf offering, as well as a sauna.

Keep up with the Menomonie YMCA on Facebook (@menomeastsouthymcas) and learn how to become a member at ymca-cv.org. Menomonie East is located at 3019 Schneider Ave SE. Menomonie South is located at 1508 9th St. E.