EFFINGHAM, Ga. (WTOC) – The second YMCA location in Effingham County is finally open.

WTOC stopped by the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday to find out how the new facility found its way to Guyton and what community members think of the new space.

There was great excitement in Guyton on Saturday as people gathered to celebrate the opening of the town’s brand new gymnasium.

Effingham’s first YMCA opened in Rincon 17 years ago, and as the county continues to grow, more businesses are growing with it.

Joel Smoker, YMCA president and CEO, says the YMCA waits to join a new community until people ask for it. The Guyton Family YMCA is a perfect example.

“It’s very rare for YMCA staff to get together and say, ‘Hey, we’d like to have a Y in that community over there.’ We got to this point because there was a spontaneous conversation between a staff member at our YMCA and a woman who lives in that community,” Smoker said.

Activities on Saturday included not only the grand opening, but also food, games and tours of the new facility.

Staff were on hand to show visitors around and answer questions about membership options. Those who signed up during the celebration even received a free membership fee.

One community member says she can’t wait to see how her town benefits from this expansion.

“I think that in today’s world with all of its health issues, this facility will be great for the community because it gives everyone the opportunity to come here and get healthy and fit,” said community member Peggy Grant.

Now that the doors are officially open, people are welcome to come see the Y in Guyton for themselves.

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