YMCA offering new pass program, more

OROVILLE — The Oroville YMCA is launching new activity programs and a new community payment structure to better serve the public.

Effective Feb. 1, the YMCA will be offering a “pay-as-you-go” pass program that will allow people to pay for just the programs they use by purchasing packages of multiple or single-use passes and, thereby, allow the Y to rent out the convention center space to other groups during the hours previously used for member drop in.

In a recent letter to its current membership, the YMCA stated this change in charging structure was made after several months of being in “communication with the city of Oroville to discuss our viability in serving the Oroville community.” The letter went on to state that through the new pass payment program people will “have the ability to participate in Y services with pre-paid packages or one-time visit passes.”

“The YMCA has been talking to the community and we’re excited to be offering new programs and activities including the new pass system making use of the Y easy and flexible for people of all ages in Oroville and surrounding areas,” said Sarah Pierce, branch manager.

Group exercise classes, Esports and Esports Jr. as well as open basketball and pickleball among other programs will continued to be offered. New activities at the Y include Bunco, After Hourz At The Y and Drama Club At The Y.

Bunco will be offered the third Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. for $15 per person.

“Bunco has grown in popularity over the last several years,” said Pierce. “It’s a fun way for adults to get together, be social and meet new people.”

On the fourth Thursday of every month, the After Hourz At The Y program will feature live bands and DJ nights. These music and dance nights are specifically geared toward teens because “the Oroville area needs more fun things for teenagers to do in the evenings,” said Pierce.

“After Hourz at the Y provides the fun of a concert experience in a safe alcohol and drug free environment,” said Pierce. “We are looking forward to opening the door for all ages including families who are looking for something to do with their kids.”

The ticket cost is $15 per concert and teens under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Due to the “popularity of the Y’s annual children’s theater program,” which culminates in one big production during the winter, and the “lack of children’s theater options in Oroville,” the Y is starting a drama club for kids ages 10 and up from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Mondays, said Pierce. The start date for this new program has not been set but information will be available soon on the Y’s website.

For the first time, the YMCA will be hosting the Missoula Children’s Theatre company for a special week of drama for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. The theater company will be taking up residency at the Y the week of March 18-23 and, with participation from 50 to 60 local kids, present “Treasure Island.” Open auditions are from 3 to 5 p.m. March 18 with the first rehearsal following the auditions. Rehearsals will continue daily from 3 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. through the week and culminate in two performances, one at 6 p.m. March 22 and the second at 2 p.m. March 23. More information is available at ymcasuperiorcal.org/OrovilleYMCA.

The Y will also continue to offer space to other groups and organizations for events including cornhole, square dancing and the Oroville Kiwanis Science Fair on March 9.

“We’re excited to be hosting the Kiwanis Science Fair,” said Pierce. “We hope people will join us for a day of innovation, discovery and endless curiosity as the fair celebrates and honors the young minds of our community.”

For more information about the YMCA and its programs visit https://www.ymcasuperiorcal.org/OrovilleYMCA or call 530-533-9622.