Golden Strip fitness providers consolidate

By Lyn Riddle  

DECEMBER 3, 2010 2:33 a.m. (0)

Once the YMCA takes ownership of the LivN Nsidout next week, a consolidation of fitness centers in the Golden Strip will begin.

Over the next 18 months, the Y will close its Golden Strip branch on Highway 14 and the Greenville Hospital System will close its Life Center in Simpsonville to consolidate all functions in the Laurens Road LivN Nsidout building.

Y officials said the Golden Strip Y is at capacity.

The Greenville Hospital System has agreed to pay $100,000 a year for 10 years for naming rights to the new property and will be involved in health-related programs in all YMCA of Greenville locations. The property will be known as GHS Family YMCA.

This represents the second phase of a program known as PATH (Partners Achieving Total Health), which the two agencies began in 2008 to offer programs for healthy live that are affordable and accessible.

“The first phase included creation of a PATH membership, which grants members access to all four Greenville County Y locations and two Life Center locations, and Wellness Way, a six-week exercise prescription program for patients at risk for chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension,” a joint press release issued by the organizations said.

LivN Nsidout memberships will be honored at the GHS and Y sites as well.

“Our investment in this facility is an investment in the health of the Golden Strip community,” said GHS President and CEO Michael Riordan.

Scot Baddley, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greenville, said the consoidaiton will elminate duplication of services.

“Integrating fitness center operations will improve and expand fitness options for Y, Life Center and LivN Nsidout members,” said Baddley.

Construction of an aquatic center will begin on the LivN Nsidout site this month and will take from four to six months.

The Simpsonville Life Center is expected to close in May 2012.

Baddley said his organization will accept applications from employees at the three locations: LivN Nsidout, Golden Strip Y and Simpsonville Life Center.

“Our goal is to make this transition as seamless as possible and to keep as many jobs intact as we can,” said Baddley.

The Y has 21,000 members.