Slated for a Jan. 2 opening date, the new Hutto Family YMCA building is approaching completion.

When finished, the facility will include children's playscapes and gyms divided for use by age groups, a recreation center for teens, a lap pool, a fun pool with a slide, an aerobics room, a classroom for spinning workouts, a large equipment room, a full gym, a locker room, a theater room with equipment for members to use while watching movies and an office for Seton Healthcare, which will operate a heated therapy pool on the premises.

The 35,000-square-foot building was made possible by $5 million in voter-approved bond funding and additional donations from the city of Hutto, the YMCA of Greater Williamson County and individuals. The YMCA of Greater Williamson County will also pay for the facility's exercise equipment and operating costs.

"This all would not have been possible without Hutto's great City Council and staff," said Jeff Andresen YMCA of Greater Williamson County president and CEO. "The YMCA was a way to meet [the residents'] recreational needs."

Since breaking ground March 8, the YMCA has added 150 charter members to its ranks and will continue offering charter memberships through the end of the year. Hutto YMCA Branch Manager Lisa Koen said interest has been high throughout the city.

"People have been calling in and stopping by," Koen said. "[They] are very excited and signing up or asking questions."

The new YMCA will be a boost in quality of life for Hutto residents, Andresen said. The organization already offers programs such as Friday Night Live for students. While other YMCAs in larger cities such as Round Rock and Cedar Park can bring in 200 participants for the event, Hutto's generally hosts 400–600 at its current facility.

"Hutto's population is going to explode," Andresen said. "YMCAs are for quality of life, and we wanted to give Hutto a way to serve its families."

For families and individuals who cannot afford regular membership prices, the Y also offers free and reduced-price programs.

Membership prices

• Family 1 (One adult and children in the household): $58/month

• Family 2 (Two adults and children in the household): $65/month

• Adult membership: $40/month

• Young adult membership (age 18 and older with valid, full-time college or technical school ID): $25/month

• Youth membership (ages 12–17): $15/month

• Senior 1 (one adult age 62 or older): $25/month

• Senior 2 (two adults age 62 or older): $35/month

Corporate discounts and memberships are also available.

2200 Alliance Blvd., Hutto, 512-846-2360, www.ymcagwc.org