Mariners on Main now offers several options for membership

Response has been ‘swift’, says spokesperson for facility

A spokesperson for Mariners on Main is pleased with the public's response since the facility opened in mid-October and says memberships are climbing.

Dorgam Hideib, CEO for the Mariners Centre and overseer of the renovations at Mariners on Main, says feedback from users has been very positive.

“They appreciate the friendly staff and how clean and bright the refreshed spaces are,” he says. The new cardio and fitness equipment that's been introduced, in addition to the “spacious layout” of the fitness centre, has also been well received.

“We want folks to know there is still plenty of room for more members to enjoy the facility and still be socially distanced,” says Hideib.

The complex was formerly known as the Yarmouth YMCA and was run by the YMCA, however, it closed in June 2020 after years of financial issues that were made worse by the COVID pandemic. The facility is now meant to serve as a bridge facility for the community until a hoped-for expansion of the Mariners Centre is approved. Any construction and opening of an expansion, if it goes ahead, would be many years away.

The facility on Main Street is being run by the Mariners Centre – hence, the name, Mariners on Main.

Now that the facility is open, memberships are available. New member Debbie Roberts took advantage of the senior rate and signed up for a year. She's thrilled that the facility was able to reopen.

“I love to swim, but of course, our outdoor swimming season in Yarmouth is limited to about three months," she says. “Being of somewhat limited mobility, this gives me a place to exercise without straining my joints. The facility looks great, got somewhat of a 'facelift' and is very clean. I'm very pleased with it."

Wendy Siddall and her grandson regularly use the pool and aquatic programs.

She also used the scheduled exercise programs before the YMCA closed.

“We were excited to get back ... and are hoping that more scheduled programs get added as they look for instructors,” she says.

She's hoping to see more after-school swim programs added and would like to see a free community swim at least once a week.

“I'm so hoping that local businesses will step up as sponsors. Otherwise, we are enjoying getting back to an active routine. We love the new look - fresh and clean."

Adam Graham and his family were thrilled when it was announced the facility was reopening.

“It's such an important part of the community. I play pickleball regularly and we've all used the fitness facility, gym, and pool,” he says.

There's a broad range of options for the community on a drop-in or membership basis. Options are also available for community members with financial barriers.

Users can work out in the fitness space with updated cardio and strength equipment and there are also daily lane and public swim times.

Those purchasing a membership in January will have a free month added to annual memberships. A three-month membership is now available and there is a 10-punch pass for those who want to give Mariners in Main a try.

Also, memberships at Mariners on Main include free public skates and walking track access at the Mariners Centre.

Mariners on Main users can enjoy yoga, a spin, an aerobics class or get back on the court with drop-in basketball, racquetball and pickleball.

PLANS FOR 2022

Hideib says folks can look forward to swimming lessons in 2022. The first set of swimming lessons was hosted in December with newlytrained instructors.

Due to COVID restrictions, January's swim sessions have been postponed to February. Registration will open in mid-January for a full set of swimming lessons for all ages.

Users who come to the gym can look forward to new strength and fitness equipment in 2022 as the facility updates and replaces existing equipment. Hideib says teams at both facilities – Mariners on Main and the Mariners Centre – continue to work hard to create clean, friendly spaces for the community to be active.

Members can enjoy a spin, yoga or aerobics class or get back on the court with dropin basketball, racquetball and pickleball. In addition, personal training packages for all levels of fitness are available for those looking for guidance and/or motivation.

20TH ANNIVERSARY FOR MARINERS CENTRE

The Mariners Centre is in its 20th year of operation this year and has a lot to be proud of, says Hideib.

“The facility is a source of significant pride for the entire region with a rich heritage in ice sports, in addition to hosting countless community, national and international events over the years,” he says.

Last year a drop-in walking program was introduced to keep people moving during the winter months.

Three pickleball courts were established in the Anthony Pavilion for spring to fall use.

Hideib says the upgrades to Mariners on Main have gone well to date, with no issues beyond the scope of what would be expected for a building of its age.

“The upgrades and reopening plan for Mariners on Main have always been with the goal of a future expansion of the Mariners Centre, and the Mariners Centre Expansion Steering Committee made a lot of progress on the front in 2021," he says.

“The community's support of the Mariners Centre, and now Mariners on Main, is so important for our ultimate goal of expansion."