A 1,000-square-foot room in the basement of Boise's Downtown YMCA has been renovated, re-opened and renamed to honor Tom and Mary Woychick.
The Woychicks, who raised seven children and were active in the community, died on Aug. 19, 2009. They were crossing a city street when they were struck by a vehicle.
The activity center, which features a new sprung wood floor and two walls of mirrors, allows the Y to offer its 16,000 members more space to work out. The area will be used for everything from dance classes to karate to the Live Strong cancer program, said Cliff Naumann, executive director of the Downtown Y.
The Woychick family contributed half of the funds needed to renovate the basement room, which had previously been a teen center, Naumann said. The teen center was moved to the second floor.
Tom Woychick had been a member of the Y since 1979. He swam there every day, and Naumann recalled seeing Woychick from his office window. He remembers Tom chatting with other seniors while treading water in the deep end of the pool.
“It’s a fantastic tribute to Tom and Mary,” Y program coordinator Kelly Driver said of the new activity center. “They did so much for the Y — and the whole community. It’s nice to have something to remember them by.”
At the dedication Friday afternoon, several of the Woychick children spoke about the meaning of the new activity center.
"The Y values really align well with the way they lived their lives," Mark Woychick said.
Steve Woychick pointed to the Y motto: Strengthening community, providing healthy activity. "That really sums up what the Y is about and what my parents were about about. This is a real fitting tribute to them."
Years before, Steve said the family celebrated his nephew's birthday in the room.
"My parents weren't interested in being in the spotlight. They got satisfaction from getting everybody together." Looking around the refinished room, he said, "This place has that history."
Jane Woychick added: "My parents, my dad especially, would be thrilled (to see this room). They were big believers in contributing to the community."
