Alvernia University’s Pottsville Campus to Host New Schuylkill YMCA Gymnastics Center

Pottsville, PA – Alvernia University’s CollegeTowne building in Pottsville is set to become the new home of the Schuylkill YMCA’s gymnastics program, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for March 5th. The expanded facility will accommodate approximately 150 gymnasts and allow for classes to be offered seven days a week.

Expanding Community Resources

The move to Alvernia University will enable the YMCA to significantly expand its gymnastics program, currently serving 95 children aged 3 ½ to 17, with an additional 200 on a waiting list . Currently, the YMCA must set up and take down mats each week in its gymnasium, limiting program availability. The new center will provide a dedicated space for gymnastics, freeing up the YMCA’s Centre Street facility for other sports, including soccer and basketball .

A $2.2 Million Project

The project, totaling $2.2 million, is funded through a combination of $1 million in state funding and $700,000 in philanthropic commitments . The CollegeTowne building, which opened in 2023, previously housed a Giant supermarket before being repurposed . Alvernia University utilizes approximately 12,000 square feet of the 20,000-square-foot building for its nursing and other degree programs, the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship and community meeting spaces.

Launch Pottsville III and a New Cafe

In addition to the gymnastics center, a cafe is being developed near the front of the CollegeTowne building. Alvernia University and the Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO) are collaborating on “Launch Pottsville III,” a food innovation competition to determine the cafe’s operator. The winner, selected from seven participants, will be announced on May 14th . PADCO Executive Director Savas Logothetides stated the cafe will serve as a venue for testing new ideas for students and the downtown community.

A Long-Term Partnership

Thomas Minick, Alvernia’s vice president of advancement and government affairs, emphasized the university’s commitment to serving the community and views the partnership with the YMCA as a positive outcome for both organizations . He anticipates a long-term relationship between Alvernia and the YMCA .