Aug 29, 2010 By Steve Ferris 3 min read

The Uniontown Area Y was called the best Y in the state at the dedication of the W. Gerald and Carolyn E. Blaney Cardio Wing, which is the centerpiece of a $1 million expansion and improvement project. “I think we have the finest YMCA in the state of Pennsylvania,” said W. Gerald Blaney, who, along with his wife, Carolyn, were primary benefactors of the project.

Friday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of the first phase of a three-phase improvement and expansion project at the Y.

The $1 million first phase included the 1,700-square-foot Blaney addition to the cardiovascular exercise room, more than $100,000 in new cardio exercise machines, air conditioning for the gymnasium, and walking track and electrical service upgrades.

“The room was named after them for a reason,” Y executive director Steve Cooper said of the Blaneys. “We wouldn’t have this if it weren’t for them,”

Carolyn Blaney said the Fayette County economy benefited from the project because contractors from the county designed and did the work.

“It was good to see all the work stay local,” said state Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-South Union Township, who also called the center the finest Y in the state.

The $500,000 second phase of the project is nearly funded through donations, which is another positive sign about the county economy, Carolyn Blaney said. She said Cooper deserves credit for the success of the fund-raising efforts.

The second phase includes construction of an addition for the day-care center, front office renovations designed to improve security and a sidewalk canopy.

The third phase of the project includes construction of a new gym and is expected to cost about $1.5 million.

Cooper commended fund-raising campaign chairman John Garlow of Uniontown and Bob Teeter and Natalie Nichols of Teeter and Associates of Greensburg for their efforts in raising $1.4 million for the first phase of the project.

The Uniontown Area Y has 4,500 members, but it is a better center than larger Ys that have as many as 20,000 members, Cooper said.

“They’re bigger, but they’re not better than what we have here,” Cooper said.

Bishop Leonard Tucker said the Y is great place to work out and get “sweaty and dirty,” but it also is a place where friendships and relationships are formed.

Several speakers praised Cooper for his work at the Y and said he is planning to retire.

Cooper said he is retiring next month.

Noting that the YMCA is now officially called the Y, Cooper said the new logo has been placed on the building and on its sign on South Mount Vernon Avenue.

“It’s just the Y now,” Cooper said.