‘It’s all about making people feel welcome’
— Community and making all feel welcome have been at the heart of the Springs Family YMCA in Dripping Springs for the last 15 years.
In 2007, a new opportunity presented itself for an additional YMCA location, but this time in Dripping Springs. The Springs Family Fitness was a family-owned fitness center on Ranch Road 12 that featured an 11-acre campus with multiple buildings, which was ideal for outside organizations looking to rent space.
Thenowner Dr. Stephen Hurd approached YMCA to sell the facility as he believed in its reputation of being a value-based organization that catered to families and emphasized strengthening the community. The sale was finalized in late 2007 and the renamed Springs Family YMCA opened in early 2008. Executive Director Heather Marchant started with the organization in 2007 at a YMCA location in San Antonio before transitioning to the Dripping Springs facility in 2012.
“I just fell in love with what our mission [is] and what we get to do every day,” Marchant said. “I’m all about helping people, fitness and giving people the opportunity to learn new skills. I just knew that I wanted that to be part of my life.”
“They [YMCA and community] are always willing to help anyone in need, you can tell that they truly care for each other,” Marchant said.
“One of our programs called Project S.A.F.E., which is where we teach children ages 3-5 about water safety, was running at the same time as one of our senior water classes. Our members saw that a few of the participants from Project S.A.F.E. didn’t have a swimsuit so they went out and purchased a few. This is just one of the many stories of how our community is so willing to step in and help whoever may need it.”
Over the years, Marchant has witnessed the impact that the YMCA has had on members and the overall community. While there are several memories that are precious to her, Marchant recalled one of her favorites.
“My favorite memory is when we host our Annual Cookie Festival event every December.
This event brings the whole community together. We laugh, dance, eat cookies and take Santa pictures. It is just a fun and safe event for us to connect with our members,” Marchant said. “A place to build relationships … I have heard countless times that I have met my new best friend at the YMCA. I love that we create this place for members to be able to do that. This event also helps raise money for our end-of-year campaign.”
It’s not always financially possible to afford a membership, Marchant said. The cookie festival, donations and other events help relieve that burden for some.
“At the Y, we want to make sure that anybody and everyone can use our center. Through donations from our community and events like the cookie festival, they allow us to be able to offer financial assistance to those that may not be able to afford a membership,” Marchant said. “We want to make sure we are accessible to all, and this allows us to be.”
The Springs Family Y is located at 27216 Ranch Road 12 in Dripping Springs. The center is open 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.austinymca. org/branches/springsfamily- y.
