YMCA Conducting Feasibility Study For New Location
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Daniel [email protected]
One of those sites is adjacent to Springhill Acres addition near Kosciusko Community Hospital.
The site, about 35 acres, is owned by three different groups, Dan Robinson, Dinos Inc. and Warsaw Missionary Church, according to YMCA Chief Executive Officer Steve Jungbauer.[[In-content Ad]]The YMCA has contracts with all three groups and one of those expires Aug. 31, though Jungbauer did say that contract can be renewed.
While Jungbauer acknowledged opposition for the new site by some in Springhill Acres, he said there are several hurdles that would need to be cleared.
The YMCA recently conducted a soil study recently, and as of last week were still awaiting the results.
Should the soil study come back in favor of building there, the next step would be to appear before the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals, according to Jungbauer.
Jungbauer said representatives from the YMCA board of directors, along with attorney Steve Snyder, may appear before the board as early as this month.
Jungbauer also said that the YMCA will conduct a traffic study.
The Smith Street facility was originally built in 1965, according to the YMCA's Web site.
In 1984, the YMCA board approved a major renovation campaign.
The new addition of a gymnasium, indoor running track, fitness center, offices, locker rooms and renovated pool was dedicated May 9, 1987.
The YMCA saw another expansion with the addition of a youth gymnasium, a larger fitness center and warm water training pool starting in 1997.
Jungbauer said that there is no longer room for expansion at the Smith Street site.
"We don't have a lot of room to expand," said Jungbauer. "The question is how do we continue to serve the county's health and wellness?"
Jungbauer said the best way for the YMCA to serve the community would be a facility that is all inclusive.
"You have the swim team practice at the high school, tennis is at the Racquet Club," said Jungbauer. "So you have a parent going to these different places."
Jungbauer said that should a new facility be built, consolidation of the Racquet Club would be considered.
Jungbauer said that even with a new facility the North Webster location would remain open.
Jungbauer noted that even after all the feasibility studies, there would still need to be a capital funds campaign to raise money.
"We've talked about different numbers," said Jungbauer.
As for the concerns of Springhill Addition residents, Jungbauer said the board has received feedback from both those for and against and will continue to do so.
"No decision has been made yet," said Jungbauer. "(The concerns of Springhill residents) will all factor in. There is a lot more information we need."
One of those sites is adjacent to Springhill Acres addition near Kosciusko Community Hospital.
The site, about 35 acres, is owned by three different groups, Dan Robinson, Dinos Inc. and Warsaw Missionary Church, according to YMCA Chief Executive Officer Steve Jungbauer.[[In-content Ad]]The YMCA has contracts with all three groups and one of those expires Aug. 31, though Jungbauer did say that contract can be renewed.
While Jungbauer acknowledged opposition for the new site by some in Springhill Acres, he said there are several hurdles that would need to be cleared.
The YMCA recently conducted a soil study recently, and as of last week were still awaiting the results.
Should the soil study come back in favor of building there, the next step would be to appear before the Warsaw Board of Zoning Appeals, according to Jungbauer.
Jungbauer said representatives from the YMCA board of directors, along with attorney Steve Snyder, may appear before the board as early as this month.
Jungbauer also said that the YMCA will conduct a traffic study.
The Smith Street facility was originally built in 1965, according to the YMCA's Web site.
In 1984, the YMCA board approved a major renovation campaign.
The new addition of a gymnasium, indoor running track, fitness center, offices, locker rooms and renovated pool was dedicated May 9, 1987.
The YMCA saw another expansion with the addition of a youth gymnasium, a larger fitness center and warm water training pool starting in 1997.
Jungbauer said that there is no longer room for expansion at the Smith Street site.
"We don't have a lot of room to expand," said Jungbauer. "The question is how do we continue to serve the county's health and wellness?"
Jungbauer said the best way for the YMCA to serve the community would be a facility that is all inclusive.
"You have the swim team practice at the high school, tennis is at the Racquet Club," said Jungbauer. "So you have a parent going to these different places."
Jungbauer said that should a new facility be built, consolidation of the Racquet Club would be considered.
Jungbauer said that even with a new facility the North Webster location would remain open.
Jungbauer noted that even after all the feasibility studies, there would still need to be a capital funds campaign to raise money.
"We've talked about different numbers," said Jungbauer.
As for the concerns of Springhill Addition residents, Jungbauer said the board has received feedback from both those for and against and will continue to do so.
"No decision has been made yet," said Jungbauer. "(The concerns of Springhill residents) will all factor in. There is a lot more information we need."
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