By JAIME ANTON

The Post staff writer

There's a little less talk and a lot more action going on at 11409 State Road.

Years of YMCA discussions and planning are now actually happening as construction has kicked into gear at the former Avalon Event Center, soon to be the North Royalton Family YMCA.

The area where the eight-lane pool will be built is being excavated, and crews are two weeks into interior demolition work.

"The existing bathrooms and office space has been removed, interior ceilings removed for the elevated running track, the kitchen freezer and the stove furnishings have been removed," said Tom Jordan, community development director for the city.

And that's not all, the exterior is already being transformed as well.

Landscape interfering with the additions for the pool and Parma Community General Hospital have been cleared, as well as a portion of the parking lot.

"They're also in the process of moving the utility lines - gas and electric lines. Some of them were interfering with the pool so we want to get those out of the way. And digging has started for some of the foundation work for the hospital and pool," Jordan said. "There's a lot of paperwork formalizing all the contracts, and that's where we are at."

Residents' curiosity has definitely piqued since the official groundbreaking ceremony in May.

"We've had a number of inquiries since it has started. It's set back over 500 feet from Wallings and State Road," making construction difficult to see, Jordan said.

But work is happening. Construction trailers are on site, as well as waste removal bins, which are carrying away demolition debris. It's a true hard hat work zone and cars are prohibited from passing through.

The city purchased the Avalon for $2.1 million last year, and the building is being renovated into 45,000 square feet of space to include a group exercise room, a cycling room, easyline program room, a fitness room that's close to the size of the gym, another smaller fitness room, a lobby, a daycare area, administrative offices, men's and women's locker rooms and a family changing room. The pool area will feature a whirlpool and a sauna.

The city owns the entire building and is acting as the landlord of the facility. The YMCA, which has a 25-year lease, will repay its improvements through fundraising efforts and membership fees.

Parma Hospital is also participating in the project. They will pay for their portion of construction, which is estimated at $2 million. They are repaying this through a 10-year lease agreement with an option to extend their lease. The hospital's portion will be housed in 7,000 square feet, and they have the option to double the space in the future if they so choose.

Parma Hospital's space is to include a therapy pool, therapy gym, treatment and exam rooms, changing areas and a waiting room.

Five contractors are working on the project. Astro Pool Company is handling the pool construction; Piper Plumbing and Sprinkler is handling the plumbing and fire protection; K Company is doing the HVAC work; Contemporary Electric is conducting the electrical portion of the project; and Seitz Builders is conducting the site development, masonry and general trades.

The YMCA is scheduled to open its doors April 15, but the hope is that it may be completed sooner.

Mayor Bob Stefanik said it may be hard to believe but residents will be signing up for YMCA memberships before they know it.

"Maybe some people were skeptical, but now I think people see that the shovel is in the ground and that construction has begun for the new North Royalton regional YMCA. It will be a reality next spring," he said.

Ward 2 Councilman Gary Petrusky agrees. The project is in his ward.

"It's an exciting time for the city to finally see construction moving forward after years of talk of a rec center. Now we can see the project actually moving forward. It is nice to have the library, soccer fields and the Y all in my ward. I'm looking forward to the future growth of the city," he said.

Jordan said he's relieved to see the construction under way, but he will feel even better in a month or so.

"I'll be happier in a month when all the contracts are signed, everyone is out there, and the utility work is out of the way," he said. "I'll be really happy then."