Hardyston - In its first year of operation, the Sussex County YMCA has surpassed all membership goals. On Sunday, hundreds of local residents came to an open house held to celebrate the Y’s first birtday and to enlist even more members. “Our first year has been an overwhelming success,” said Rick Gorab, President and CEO of Metro YMCA of the Oranges. “We were hoping for 1,950 membership units, and we currently have 2,600, which translates to 7,000 members, so obviously we are filling a great community need.” The 32,500-square-foot facility includes a six-lane, 25-yard temperature-controlled pool, a steam room, a sauna and a whirlpool. The wellness center features a full range of cardiovascular equipment, including treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bikes and resistance and free weights. Several multipurpose rooms are used for classes, meetings, teen activities and general community use. Outdoor multi-purpose fields are available for a variety of sports, and basketball and volleyball courts are also available. “As a non-profit organization, one of our mandates is to provide financial assistance to the less fortunate, whether it be a single parent or someone with health issues who can’t work,” said Gorab. “This year we have been able to offer $4,800 in financial help to people who would otherwise not have been able to afford to become a member of the Y,” he added. “We are open 101 hours a week, starting with the commuters at 5 a.m., and we always have something going on,” said membership and marketing director Lorraine Fasano. “We have surpassed every goal that we set for the first year, and I think that is because we make everyone feel very welcome, and this is a nice comfortable clean place that people can spend time with their families,” she added. Anthon Swartz of Wantage has been a member since the Y opened last year and intends to remain so. “We have a family membership, so I come in the morning to work out before work, and then I come with my wife three kids at weekends or evening to swim,” he said. “There is always something going on. We love it.” The Sussex County YMCA is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 973-209-9622 or visit sussexcountyymca.org.