In the early planning stages for the $9.5 million YMCA in Lampeter, organizers had hoped for 4,000 members by the end of 2009.

But it looks like that goal will be reached much sooner.

The Lampeter-Strasburg Y, a branch of the Lancaster YMCA, opened its doors Memorial Day weekend. And by the July 4th weekend, more than 3,900 people had signed up, said Darin Pickles, the branch's executive director.

"That is a testimonial of the need of a facility like this — and to the support of the community," Pickels said.

The one-story, 38,400-square-foot facility at 800 Village Road includes an indoor competition pool, a six-lane outdoor pool, a gymnasium, a fitness center, an indoor track, classrooms, a child-care area and offices.

A newer edition is the I-Zone, which includes two Wii video consoles. Children can get a workout by playing virtual games of tennis, boxing and bowling. Pickles said a Dance, Dance Revolution game would join the Wiis in the I-Zone by fall.

"Citizens of the community really stepped up to the plate to make it," state Sen. Lloyd Smucker said.

Smucker served as capital campaign chairman until near the end of the effort to raise $2.5 million from the community. The remaining funds came from grants and loans.

Smucker said many people played a role in the L-S Y's creation. And when it came time for him to turn his attention to running for the state Senate, a West Lampeter couple,  Blaise and Sheryl Holzbauer, took on leadership of the capital campaign.

Smucker said that he and his wife, Cindy, are enjoying the L-S Y, as are their three children: 13-year-old Paige, 11-year-old Regan and 6-year-old Nicholas.

The L-S Y was formed from the L-S Rec Commission, which was created by the L-S School District, Strasburg Borough and West Lampeter and Strasburg townships to provide recreational opportunities in the area.

When the L-SRC grew as much as it could without a facility, discussions began with the YMCA, which was looking to build branches in the county. The four governing bodies contributed to the L-SRC until the day the L-S YMCA opened its doors. The L-SRC then dissolved.

Strasburg Borough Manager Lisa Boyd called the new Y "a beautiful facility" and wished the YMCA the best of luck.

"I think we (borough officials) are very supportive and happy about it," Boyd said.

The early days of the new branch Y were not without hurdles.

The outdoor pool pump stopped working a few times, forcing the outdoor pool to close temporarily, Pickels said, and the air conditioning also had to be repaired.

The biggest challenge has been parking during special events, Pickels said. When the parking lot is filled, he said, cars park along the driveway that stretches from Route 741 to the facility.

"At times," Pickels said, "we have been extremely busy."

Pickels said discussions have already taken place about how to handle growth as it occurs. The building, he said, was designed to accommodate future demands.