GLASGOW, Ky. — Congressman Brett Guthrie toured the Barren County Family YMCA Tuesday, ending his visit in the recently completed senior center.

The nearly 3,000-square-foot addition was built with a $750,000 grant and focuses on senior wellness, nutrition and activity programs.

“This is going to be a true senior center for Barren County and surrounding areas,” said CEO Tara Bailey. “It’s not just space for the YMCA. It’s open to everything.”

The YMCA’s programs, including fitness classes, daily meals, art classes and community education, will be free to everyone, not just YMCA members.

On Tuesday, a chair yoga class led by Donita Runyon was wrapping up as Guthrie entered the new wing. Bailey said it was the center’s second day of classes.

People approached the congressman to tell him how much they appreciated the YMCA and its new senior wing.

“It’s different for everyone, but I think it boils down to one common theme: quality of life,” Bailey said.

The Barren River Area Development District helped secure the $750,000 Community Development Block Grant, a federal grant administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The City of Glasgow and the YMCA partnered to apply for the grant.

“This is a victory for the Barren County and Glasgow community because one of the things that the evaluators really noted in the grand proposal was the community buy-in at this YMCA—how busy it is, it’s longevity, how well-run it is, how many people are using it constantly,” said Matt Pedigo, BRADD’s Lead Community Development Specialist.

Bailey said the YMCA contributed $75,000 from a private donation, while its board raised an additional $150,000 for the project.

A ribbon-cutting and grand opening for the senior center is scheduled for Sept. 8 at 11 a.m. The YMCA is located at 1 YMCA Way in Glasgow.