Needs Identified

As the Board reviewed all the factors that should be considered, some of the major needs identified include the following:

The YMCA must offer a facility that is more family-oriented and gives the community a place for any family to go to play, exercise and socialize, where all ages will flourish. The project plan includes a teen room, new child care center, family locker rooms and an expanded nursery area. The entire family can go to the Y together and enjoy age-appropriate activities. Overcrowding has inhibited the provision of full service and program development. An expanded facility is necessary to meet the full range of changing program needs.

• The perception exists among some that the YMCA is an “unclean” facility. The building is old, not unclean. The community deserves an updated, wholesome, fresh, bright, spacious, accessible and welcoming family facility.
  
  
• The existing YMCA has only two basketball/volleyball courts. We currently utilize MISD gymnasiums throughout town. The new plan includes a total of 6 courts. Our youth sports programs are “bursting at the seams” and we need the space to accommodate an increase in participation in these popular programs.
  
  
• Teens need a safe place to “hang out” and hold activities suited to their interests. The YMCA is excited to be experiencing a significant increase in the number of teens coming to the facility to work out and socialize but we currently do not have a space designated for Teen use. We offer the Youth & Government program to high school students and in 2002 were one of only 400 YMCAs to receive a JCPenney grant which we utilized to support this program. We expect an increase in participation in Youth & Government and need space for this important Teen opportunity. The project plan includes a Teen Room which will include computers, sofas, video and music equipment, exercise equipment, and direct access to two basketball courts.
  
  
  
  
• Our facility is not ADA compliant. We must make all areas of the YMCA accessible to all program participants, members, spectators and visitors at the Y. One of the most difficult locations to reach is the swimming pool. Our senior members who participate in water arthritis therapy classes must go up and down flights of stairs to reach their classes. The new building design eliminates this challenge.
  
  
  
  
• Although the basic structure is extremely sound, plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems are obsolete and inefficient. Investment is necessary to replace these systems to continue effective and cost-efficient daily operations. Maintenance and repair costs of outdated infrastructure are encroaching on the funds available to serve kids and families through programs.