For almost 170 years the Y has evolved to serve our ever-changing communities. And we’re still transforming.

We are excited to have you as a part of our Y Innovation Lab. We’ve been listening and are eager to experiment with new amenities, membership options, and programs to create an engaging community, where all belong.

WHAT’S THE INNOVATION LAB ALL ABOUT AND HOW CAN I ENGAGE?

Innovation Labs are located at 4 YMCA of the North locations: 

  1. Andover YMCA 
  2. Elk River YMCA 
  3. Dayton YMCA at Gaviidae in Downtown Minneapolis
  4. YMCA Camp Manitou in Monticello 

The Purpose of the Innovation Labs is to EXPERIMENT with new and improved ways to best SERVE and ENGAGE the Community with the Y and to create a place of BELONGING.

FIRST EXPERIMENT AREA: IMPROVING THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

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Andover YMCA

INNOVATION LAB LAUNCH ITEMS: 

  • Swim Safety & Private Swim Lessons
  • HydroMassage Chair
  • Family Gym Time & Family Pickleball
  • Sound Bath & Group Acupuncture Classes
  • New Group Fitness Classes (Group Cycle, Tai Chi, New Member Group X Orientations)
  • Expanded facility hours on Saturday and Sunday until 8:00 pm
  • Expanded Kids Stuff hours 
  • Additional Fitness Center staffing 
  • Swim Safety Lessons

COMING SOON: 

  • Additional customer experience improvements
  • Deeper ways for you to engage
  • New programs and services
  • Focus groups with the community
  • Town halls for members and program participants
  • Additional outdoor adventure opportunities
  • New volunteer engagement
  • Additional amenities
Elk River YMCA

INNOVATION LAB LAUNCH ITEMS: 

  • Family Kids Gym and Playscape
  • Club Y – for kids 6-12
  • Complimentary Office Space for Members
  • Expanded Functional Fitness Area
  • Free Mental Health Seminars
  • Free Senior Breakfasts
  • Expanded Facility hours on Saturday and Sunday until 8:00 pm
  • Expanded Kids Stuff hours 
  • Group X Orientations - learn basics before you attend, so you feel like you belong in class
  • New Equipment
  • Outdoor Club and Family Adventure Days

COMING SOON: 

  • Additional customer experience improvements
  • Deeper ways for you to engage
  • New programs and services
  • Focus groups with the community
  • Town halls for members and program participants
  • Additional outdoor adventure opportunities
  • New volunteer engagement
  • Additional amenities
DAYTON – GAVIIDAE YMCA

INNOVATION LAB LAUNCH ITEMS: 

  • Hours: Monday – Thursday until 8:00pm
  • Continued Towel Service 
  • Complimentary HydroMassage Trial
  • Swim Lessons Now Available

COMING SOON:

  • Additional customer experience improvements
  • Deeper ways for you to engage
  • New programs and services
  • Focus groups with the community
  • Town halls for members and program participants
  • Additional outdoor adventure opportunities
  • New volunteer engagement
  • Additional amenities
YMCA CAMP MANITOU

INNOVATION LAB LAUNCH ITEMS:

  • 2023 Adventure Event at Camp Manitou
  • Outdoor Club for ages 7-14
  • Family Adventure Days
  • Outdoor Yoga Classes

COMING SOON:

  • Additional customer experience improvements
  • Deeper ways for you to engage
  • New programs and services
  • Focus groups with the community
  • Town halls for members and program participants
  • Additional outdoor adventure opportunities
  • New volunteer engagement
  • Additional amenities