Alvernia University Expands Schuylkill YMCA Gymnastics Program

New center to open in former supermarket site, boosting community access and economic development

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Alvernia University and the Schuylkill YMCA are partnering to open a new gymnastics center in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. The center will be housed in a former Giant supermarket building that Alvernia is redeveloping, providing much-needed expansion space for the YMCA's popular gymnastics program which currently has a waitlist of 200 children.

Why it matters

This collaboration demonstrates how universities can leverage their resources to address local community needs and drive economic development. By repurposing a vacant commercial property, the project will not only expand youth programming but also create new entrepreneurial opportunities through a planned cafe in the building.

The details

The $2.2 million project is funded through a mix of public and private sources, including $1 million from the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and $700,000 in philanthropic commitments. The new gymnastics center will allow for classes to be held 7 days a week, a significant increase from the YMCA's current setup which requires repeated setup and takedown of equipment. Beyond the athletic facilities, the development will also house a new cafe, with Alvernia University and the Pottsville Area Development Corporation partnering on a culinary innovation competition to select the operator.

  • The ribbon-cutting for the new gymnastics center is scheduled for March 5th.
  • The winner of the 'Launch Pottsville III' food innovation competition to select the cafe operator will be announced on May 14th.

The players

Alvernia University

A private Catholic university with a campus in Pottsville, Pennsylvania that is partnering with the Schuylkill YMCA on this project.

Schuylkill YMCA

A local YMCA organization that currently operates a gymnastics program with a waitlist of 200 children, which will be expanded through this new center.

Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO)

A local economic development organization that is collaborating with Alvernia University on the 'Launch Pottsville III' food innovation competition to select the operator for the new cafe.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.