MOULTRIE — The second location of the Moultrie YMCA, also called the Downtown Y, has only had its doors open for a few months with great reception from the community.

It was announced during a Colquitt County Commission meeting June 12 by the director of the Downtown Y that they plan to change the current hours of operation.

Jennifer Buckner, human resources director for the Moultrie YMCA and manger of the Downtown Y, says that extending to 24 hours seems like a huge leap, but it is a possibility that excites everyone.

“Its gonna be a really good thing for the community,” said Buckner “ I think its going to be a really big thing for the YMCA. We have all these workers that are members of the Y. We have police, EMS and firefighters. Being open 24 hours will give them a opportunity to come in and workout anytime.”

The current hours for the Downtown Y are Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m to 9:30 p.m,, Friday from 5 a.m to 8 p.m and Saturday from 9 a.m through 2 p.m.

While extending the Downtown Y to 24 hours has such pros as extra time to workout, the possibility of more members due to 24 hour access and more potential workout programs, there are some cons to it. Twenty-four hour availability could mean more security and learning safety procedures.

“Safety is one of the big things,” said Buckner. “ That is why we are going into this very slowly and very smart. The biggest thing is the interest and safety of our members. We have a lot of research going into this to make sure it’s all done right.”

The people of Moultrie have welcomed the Downtown Y already. As it offers a convent place to go work out without huge crowds, how will the people respond to it potentially being open for 24 hours?

Carrie Viohl, owner of The Square located right next to the Downtown Y, says this a great opportunity for the city of Moultrie and hopes they can make it happen.

“ I really love it there,” said Viohl. “It’s convenient, and it has been a fantastic addition to our downtown community. I hope it does happen. Downtown Moultrie is getting bigger. That would give people that live here and work late the opportunity to work out at their own convenience.”