By Allison Peck | Sandhills Post
Ogallala YMCA to Host ‘Try the Y Day’ Open House Jan. 23
Listen to the full interview with Conrad Bostron and Melissa Ewart on our Kubota Podcast
Ogallala, Neb. - The Ogallala YMCA is inviting community members to explore its facility, programs, and recent growth during a special open house event later this month.
The event, called “Try the Y Day,” is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 23, with extended hours from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. According to Melissa Ewart, Branch Executive Director of the Ogallala YMCA, the open house is designed to make the YMCA more approachable for newcomers and those curious about recent changes.
During the one-day event, visitors can receive 50% off daily admission fees with full facility access and 10% off annual memberships purchased that day. Attendees will also have the opportunity to try a Boot Camp class at 5:30 p.m., along with free 20-minute personal training consultations with trainer Amber Hilton. Appointments can be scheduled by calling the YMCA or by emailing [email protected].
In addition to fitness opportunities, AK Coffee will be on site, and attendees can enter drawings for YMCA prizes throughout the day.
Ewart said the idea behind Try the Y Day is to create a welcoming environment, especially for those who may feel unsure about starting a new workout routine or joining a class. YMCA staff will be available to assist guests with equipment and answer questions.
YMCA CEO Conrad Bostron said the Ogallala branch has seen significant momentum over the past year. During a recent update to the Ogallala City Council, YMCA leadership reported the branch exceeded its first-year budgeted goals by 200%. The facility has also officially been recognized as an independent YMCA branch under the Scotts Bluff umbrella.
The Ogallala YMCA recently hosted its first NSAA-sanctioned high school swim meet, drawing more than 90 participants from Ogallala, North Platte, McCook, and the Scottsbluff-Gering area. Officials confirmed the pool meets the 25-yard requirement, allowing the facility to host future swim competitions.
Youth sports participation continues to grow, with 112 children currently registered for YMCA basketball. Basketball registration remains open until 1 p.m. Mountain Time today, with a $40 registration fee per child. Games will be played on Sunday afternoons. The YMCA is still seeking one to two additional volunteer coaches, particularly for the third-through-fifth-grade and preschool-kindergarten divisions. Volunteer coaches receive credit toward a future YMCA program.
Additional updates include the hiring of Shelby Boer as programs coordinator, who will help oversee youth sports, swim lessons, and upcoming programs. Looking ahead, the YMCA will assume operation of the community after-school program beginning with the 2026 school year under the name YMCA Kids Corner, with current director Keri Curtis remaining in her role.
Community members are encouraged to attend Try the Y Day on Jan. 23 to tour the facility, meet staff, and take advantage of the one-day discounts.