RIVERFRONT YMCA

RIVERFRONT DIVERSITY 

The members that pass through the Riverfront YMCA on a daily basis are reflective of the diversity of the Des Moines community.

The “corporate crowd” dominates the early morning hours. Lap swimmers, walkers, runners and classes are typically members who want to get in an early morning workout.

“By eight, everyone is off to work and the clientele shifts for the next few hours,” said Vernon Delpesce, CEO and president of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines.

Senior citizens who participate in water exercise classes and chair aerobics dominate the mid-morning hours. Residents of the House of Mercy women’s shelter and their children also drop by. The corporate crowd returns over lunch time before school children come in after class, and area families occupy the fitness centers, pools and gym in the evening.

“Our membership at the Riverfront Y is reflective of the downtown community,” Delpesce said. “We have both blue and white collar workers, African Americans, Hispanics, Muslims and Bosnians."

“It isn’t unusual to have a leader in the Des Moines community exercising next to a homeless person. We’re a small community where everyone knows everyone, and everyone is welcome.”