A cool and gentle breeze lightly passed through the air as the sun was shining in the bright afternoon sky. The trees provided a shaded shelter and relaxation for those who attended the open house at the Fullerton Family YMCA.

The warmth and sizzle from the grill filled the air with its sweet aroma which went hand-in-hand with the sound of children laughing and playing. It was as if the winds were whispering, “welcome home.”

Community unity and family bonding is exactly what the Y had hoped for and wanted to achieve the day of the open house on Saturday, Jan.25.

The facility was crowded with hundreds of residents who took part in tours of the facility, sports assessments, fitness demos, arts and crafts for the kids and a barbecue that helped to celebrate the grand opening of the new batting cages.

“It is no surprise that Fullerton is a baseball town,” said Emanuel Gonzales, a YMCA employee of five years. “It makes sense to build something that reflects the community.”

Many people lined up to take a swing at the two new cages as the Y employees assisted children with batting techniques.

According to Clare McKenna, executive director of the the Fullerton YMCA, construction was built by Case & Sons Construction in December.

“The cages are a great way to build relationships between children and parents. It’s an opportunity to make people aware that there is a Y in the community,” said McKenna.

The open house was not just to show off the new cages but to extend the invite to the community to see the benefits in becoming a member.

Barbra Davis, an employee at the Y describes the event as something that is all about the community and bringing families together.

“Today exposes the wonderful things at the Y and all that we have to offer,” said Davis. “It’s not just a gym but a place for families to come and make friends.”

The event proved to be a success as many of the attendees went out of their way to thank the Y staff for opening their facility to the public.

“The workers are patient and professional,” said Amanda Chavez, Fullerton resident. “I feel that my family is welcomed here because they are so above and beyond helpful and friendly.”

Not many people are strangers to the YMCA organization, but few were unaware of their local Y facility. The Y is now a place where many can call home.

“We like to believe we are the cornerstone of the city,” said McKenna. “’Work, home and the Y’ is the motto that we hope the community develops.”

The Fullerton Family YMCA is located at 2000 Youth Way.

For more information on membership prices and facility hours of operation refer to their website: www.ymcaoc.org