YMCA Web Site: Better than ever and ready to surf
Oskaloosa YMCA
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The last few months at the Mahaska County YMCA has proven to be an exciting time with facility improvements, program enhancements, and the membership structure redefined. These changes were the result of listening to Y and community members coupled with an in-depth assessment by the Board of Directors in an effort to not only ensure the focus of the Y is met but the needs of the community as well.
“An integral part of this endeavor,” said Mahaska County YMCA Executive Director Dawn Collins, “was to redesign the YMCA web site making it more informative and user friendly with additional functionality. Members can now, for example, find current gym schedules or class times whenever it’s convenient for their schedules. Additionally, program fees and donations can be made on line. Those who are not Y members can download applications and have some of their membership questions answered should they so choose.”
Collins said the improved web site was not an attempt to eliminate face to face communication but to provide one more way members can interact with the Y.
“People want ways to view their account without the restriction of YMCA hours, or they want a way to sign up for a program when it’s convenient with their schedules, even if that means two in the morning,” said Collins. “We are pleased with the web site’s new look and the improved functionality and are encouraging members and non-members to log on and take a look around.”
Part of the new web site includes an interactive photo tour. Clicking on different room areas on a floor plan provides photos and specific information. “This type of a tour just provides a visual sample of our facility and we also encourage visitors to drop by, ask questions and look around,” added Collins.
The redesign of the web site has been an on-going effort since early spring. The photo tour began last spring with the Y’s Marketing and Membership Committee when they envisioned a virtual Photo Tour on a more membership friendly and improved web site. Over 100 hours of volunteer efforts went into the photo tour alone. Everything went live the first week of October.
Collins encourages comments and suggestions after visiting www.mahaskaymca.org or give her a call at 641.673.8411. The Mahaska County YMCA is located at 313 North 3rd Street, Oskaloosa.
