The Newtown Athletic Club (NAC) in Newtown, Pa. implemented the first phase of its “Big Build Plan” in February with the grand opening of its new 12,000-square-foot addition to its existing 7,000-square-foot fitness center. Over 2,000 guests attended the “Big Build Bash” which treated guests to entertainment, dancing, refreshments and prize giveaways in honor of the new addition.
“It became the happening event for the community,” said Linda Mitchell, the director of marketing and public relations for NAC. “It was just a wonderful, wonderful event. It really illustrated our position in the community. We’re a cornerstone in that people host a lot of events here, such as charity events,” she said.
The original 7,000-square-foot center will be transformed into a youth fitness center available to members on May 1, said Mitchell. The youth center will offer teen Group X classes, a youth strength training program that certifies teens ages 10-16 to use strength training equipment and a Parisi Speed School — a sports performance training program for young athletes ages 7 and up.
“I feel like we’re going to be able to do some really innovative programming for these kids,” said Mitchell. “We feel like kids, when they come here with this membership, they need something to do.”
The addition was the first step in the “Big Build” expansion plan that NAC plans to implement over the next two years. Phase two of the plan will be implemented in the fall, with the opening of a 41,000-square-foot indoor athletic field house for sporting organizations to host clinics and games all year, said Mitchell. “We’re really going to be appealing to community based sports organizations,” she said.
Phase three will be available to members in May of 2013, with the opening of an outdoor family pool complex. The complex will boast four pools, including one adults-only pool, a 40-foot slide and a lazy river, among other amenities.
With the Big Build’s completion, NAC will be able to give members a complete recreational and social experience, said Mitchell. “At our core includes fitness — that’s what we’re all about. Families are what we cater to and we’re going to be able to give them everything they need all under one roof,” she said.
“The Big Build itself is a dream not only for the owners, but for the management that is finally coming to fruition — to be the best club we can be. It’s going to make this place so great.”
Members will receive access to the new fitness center, along with future access to the youth center and family pool complex. The indoor athletic field will be available to members through sporting organizations.
By Rachel Zabonick
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
