More pool hours, new programs: Riverbrook Regional YMCA offering new initiatives this fall incorporating member suggestions

By Susan Shultz

The Riverbrook Regional YMCA is ready for a busy fall, and that means incorporating feedback from members into its upcoming programming.

“It is about listening to our members – it is important for members to know that when they provide comments and respond to surveys, we are listening,” said Chief Operating Officer Samantha Lusher.

“For fall, we are making sure our after-work population has access to our outdoor and indoor pool. A coming benefit is more recreational swimming times with more lanes open. It used to be only one, but now there will be two, which will be very impactful to our communities,” Lusher said.

Another new initiative is keeping the child watch room open when not in service for “general hang out and play time” for parents and kids.

The Y will also be incorporating more adult recreational leagues “to get our community in the doors.”

“We’ve been throwing around corn hole, which is really popular. We have our adult basketball and pickleball, and we are reintroducing volleyball,” Lusher said.

“We already have a lot of things you can do here on a Saturday with your kids or on your own – we want to make sure that everyone is included all the time,” she said.

Did you know?

Lusher said the community might not realize the Y offers a preschool for children aged three to five, which includes swimming lessons.

“You can do three or five days a week, and a full day or a half day. We are going to accept Care 4 Kids through the state, which is huge for families,” she said.

The Y also offers some acting classes, and a new program for youth learning Japanese calligraphy and culture.

In addition to the Y’s competitive Wahoos swimming program, it offers non-competitive swimming prep groups for student athletes who just want to get their sports workouts in.

Lusher said the Y is also switching out some of the fitness equipment and reorganizing the area to make it more up-to-date and user-friendly, and classes are set at convenient times for all.

Norwalk Rec Center

The YMCA is partnering with the Norwalk Community Recreation Center, opening mid-September, where it will be delivering STEM education and Esports programming, helping young people develop critical skills in technology, teamwork, creativity, and innovation.

Upcoming events

The YMCA is participating in the annual free Wilton town-wide scavenger hunt on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., sponsored by Trackside Teen Center.

On Sunday, Oct. 4, families can enjoy the Y’s floating pumpkin patch, where pumpkins are set afloat in the pool for the “picking.” Kids of all ages can participate and then decorate their pumpkins if they wish. The Halloween theme continues on Saturday, Oct. 17 with the Y’s Spooktacular and Trunk or Treat.

In early November, the YMCA offers a “Meet Me on the Green” event where the entire facility is made into an indoor mini golf course.

And finally, in December, have Breakfast with Santa and Buddy the Elf as week as the Y’s holiday pool party.

Proceeds from the Riverbrook Regional YMCA’s memberships, classes, and events support its mission as a community resource for all. Memberships are available for a variety of ages, from individual to family, and financial aid, including camp scholarships, is available for those who qualify.