Why does the community need a new YMCA?

Since opening in 2004, the Monett Area YMCA has continued to grow, with the current membership being over 2,500 people and climbing. Each week there are times when 200 or more members are using the facility at the same time. As cramped as it is, the current facility in Monett has as many people check in every day as other facilities three times its size.

A lack of available parking space causes some members to decide to return home without stopping because there is no room to park. Those who choose to come in anyway often have to park a block or more away, which can make things difficult in bad weather or for members who are older or have young children.

The YMCA is in the old armory building. It has no insulation, leaks heavily, and is in need of major repairs (to its brick, windows, floors, walls, ceiling, and heating systems). Much of the facility is not accessible by the handicapped.

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Why can the current facility not meet these needs?

As the Y has grown to meet the community’s increasing interest in the services it offers, it has added new equipment and opportunities. However, the constraints of the current facility have taken it to the limits of what it can accommodate. We cannot expand classes nor add more of them to serve more people. We cannot increase the scope of programs to keep up with the demand in the community. We cannot grow, expand, or renovate our current facility enough to effectively meet these needs.

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What are some of the additional benefits a new YMCA campus would bring to the area?

There are currently no indoor pools available to the public in the area. The community listed this as the top priority for a new facility. The addition of an indoor pool at the new YMCA complex would provide many benefits. Families wanting additional local activities would have a wider variety of options. Adults in need of water exercise could establish a routine of continuous improvement. We currently have one of the area's largest summer swim team programs; it could become even better through year-round practice. An indoor pool would also attract people from farther away to the Monett area.

With the large industrial base in Monett, employers sometimes have difficulty enticing enough employees to the area. Along with other improvements to the quality of life, a new YMCA facility will attract more families oriented toward building a life with a strong sense of community to live and work in Monett.

Safer alternatives to currently available options such as an indoor track, lighted outdoor track, and skateboarding area (portable indoor park) will provide a number of benefits to the community.

Expanded childcare and youth involvement options will also be possible with the new facility.

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Who determined what needed to be included in the new facility?

The Monett Community determined these needs through many different means. Focus groups, community input meetings, and surveys started the process. A facilities task force of representative community leaders used this information, along with projections for operational and construction costs, to work with an architect to design the new Y.

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Who will pay for the new facility?

The facility is designed to meet the needs expressed by the community; it is paid for through this capital campaign — which includes donations from individuals and organizations who wish to invest in the community—as well as any grants and matching funds that can be secured.

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Whom could I contact for additional information?

Gordon Brown, Executive Director, Monett Area YMCA, at gbrown@monettymca.org or (417) 235-8213.

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Where will the new YMCA facility be?

Based on the current plan, the new facility would be located on the east side of Highway 37 between Monett’s South Park and the Windmill Ridge golf course on a 10-acre site.

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Will it share facilities with the park?

It would use about 4 acres of park land to the east. The hillside next to the pond would become a new picnic area for the park. YMCA parking facilities would be ample and would also be available for large civic functions such as the Independence Day celebration.

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How will people get to it?

There will be an entrance to directly access the YMCA from Highway 37 as well as passage through the park.

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What will it include?

Please see the building floor plans for projections of what a fully-funded facility would include.

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What will happen with the current facility?

The current facility is on loan from the city of Monett; the decision for that disposition lies with the city.

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What new programs would be added?

A variety of new programs would be made possible, as well as an expansion of successful current programs, which can be offered to more participants because of expanded facilities. These include:

• Wellness Programs taking advantage of new facilities such as a rock climbing wall and new exercise and activity equipment.
• Youth Sports which take advantage of additional courts (basketball, volleyball), skating areas (portable indoor park), and water areas.
• Sports for Adults would be expanded with these additional facilities (e.g., an adult volleyball program) as well as new opportunities for participation in racquetball and wallyball.
• Aquatic Programs including water exercise for seniors, water aerobics, and winter swim team as well as the opportunity to offer swimming lessons year-round.
• Childcare Offerings to the community could be expanded, including a larger Summer "Adventure" Program and a middle school after-school program.
• Arts and Humanities Programs to preserve and expand our heritage by offering classes we don't currently have space or resources to support. These would include offerings such as adult and youth dance lessons, additional music lessons, and art and cooking classes.
• Social Activities such as regional swim meets, youth overnights, and weekly "family night" programs to provide opportunities to meet new friends and strengthen the sense of community.
• Expanded Event Facilities which could be used by local organizations and businesses.

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What are some examples of what the Y does for the community now?

• Wellness Programs (aerobics, yoga, running club, active senior exercise)
• Youth Sports (soccer, flag football, basketball)
• Adult Sports (soccer, softball, volleyball)
• Summer Aquatics (swim lessons, summer water exercise)
• Childcare (after-school care, Fantastic Fridays Fun Club)
• Arts and Humanities (adult and youth drawing, watercolor, sculpture, music)
• Special Events (Kid's Night Out, Monett Midway Regional Race, Pirate Pool Party)
• Community Involvement:
• The YMCA provides equipment at no charge for carnivals and special events for schools, churches, non-profit groups, and community celebrations.
• The YMCA is actively involved in community events and service organizations.
• Free pool day on 4th of July.
• Healthy Kids Day
• Boo Bash
• School and community group presentations

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How is the YMCA different from a private health club or gym?

YMCA is about people and programs. It exists to provide service and to strengthen not only individuals but also the community. YMCA programs are specifically designed to develop the strong character values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Unlike private gyms, the Y provides financial assistance for those who need it and determines programming based on community needs. The YMCA’s wellness programs are designed to improve the health of those who may not normally succeed at fitness programs. Unlike private health clubs, the Y is concerned about the health of the whole person; physical wellness is only a fraction of what is offered. Also, the Y has something for everyone. There is a wider variety of programs than most organizations can offer, including Arts and Humanities, group social activities, child care programs, and more. The YMCA has a nationwide network of resources, training, consultants, and certifications to support and benefit its members, which independent organizations would not have access to.

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When will the fundraising campaign begin?

The campaign went public with an announcement of a $10 million campaign goal on December 8, 2009. There has already been work done visiting with some potential major donors. It will take donors with abilities at all levels to help make the new YMCA a reality for Monett.

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When is the new YMCA expected to be open?

Construction start will be dependent on fundraising. Time to completion once all funds are obtained would be approximately one year.

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What is the expected total cost of the project?

We are working towards a $10 million campaign goal with the ability to further serve the community if we exceed that goal.

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What does that investment get us?

A fully-funded facility would provide over 60,000 square feet of indoor space, including a spacious main gym, kitchen, game room, indoor playground and child watch areas, indoor pool, and a variety of activity and fitness areas. Expanded outdoor areas would be available to the public.

Why does the YMCA need a separate capital campaign? Couldn't this be done using membership dollars?

The YMCA is a non-profit organization that serves the community. In order to provide membership pricing that is affordable to the local community, capital projects need to be funded through separate fundraising. Many members will undoubtedly contribute to the campaign to help provide expanded services for the community. Membership dues are used to support ongoing operations. The Y is meant to be accessible for everyone who is interested in the opportunity.

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I contribute to the YMCA’s annual campaign and wonder if any of these funds will be used for the new YMCA?

No, the purpose of the annual campaign is strictly to provide assistance to those with financial needs. It is very important that these funds with distinct purposes remain separate since the Y is meant to be accessible for all who want the opportunity; the annual campaign helps make this possible.

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Will other outside funds be used?

The YMCA is applying for a variety of grant funds and matching funds to supplement the efforts of the community. Check with YMCA staff for up-to-date information.

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Is my campaign donation tax-deductible?

Yes. The YMCA is a charitable (501c3) organization. Additional tax incentives may be available depending on your individual situation.

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Will there be naming opportunities?

Yes, a complete list of naming opportunities is available through a campaign representative.

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Will the YMCA accept contributions in the form of stock?

The YMCA is able to receive stock directly. The YMCA does not speculate on stock, so it will be sold as soon as it is received. The donors may benefit (under current tax code) because they use the current market value as the donated value without paying capital gains on the difference between the market value and their basis in the stock. Check with your tax professional to determine how this applies to you.

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What happens if the fundraising goal isn't reached?

The YMCA would consider what it would be able to build and modify plans accordingly. Funds designated for this project would only be used for this project.

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Can the YMCA afford to operate a facility this size in Monett?

Monett and the surrounding areas are growing. The YMCA covers operating costs through membership, program fees, grants, and endowments. The new facility is designed to operate efficiently, with minimal requirements for utilities and staffing at non-peak times. Water, sewer, and electrical costs are relatively low at the planned location. The YMCA is using data from the National YMCA database to develop operating budgets.

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How much is membership expected to grow?

Membership is projected to grow to at least 4,500 people within the first 18 months of operation. This is based on 25% market penetration of 7,000 households (the number within a 15-minute drive time, including nearby communities as well as households in unincorporated areas). Currently, the YMCA has about 2,800 people (about 16.6% market penetration). Market saturation and demographics are comparable to similar facilities elsewhere in Missouri. The Bolivar YMCA's membership grew by 100% within the first 6 months of its opening in September 2007; unlike the planned Monett facility, the new Bolivar facility does not have a pool.

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Would the site be able to handle future growth?

The building is positioned so that additional gym, wellness, and pool space can be added later as community needs increase.

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