Growing with the Community
The Monett YMCA took over the area recreation center in 2004 and has served the community faithfully since that time. It has grown in many ways:
- Usage. The YMCA has grown past capacity, to the point where people have had to be turned away from some classes and activities. The tremendous success has shown that people here want to take advantage of the opportunities the YMCA offers.
- Programs. We have grown to add Arts and Humanities programs that provide more depth of experience and continuity to our culture and courses for many types of interests.
- Service. We now offer after-school programs that allow parents to feel assured their children are in a healthy environment and senior programs that provide opportunities for older adults to meet others and maintain more active lifestyles.
One area that has not grown, however, is facilities. In the midst of rising health costs and increasing rates of obesity, the YMCA has a chance to make a visible difference in our community. To do that, we need to grow.
The Heart of the Community
What we've done has been a good start, and it has shown both a sampling of what we can become and the high level of interest in the community. But it’s not a solution for the long term. We have already exceeded capacity for many needs and demand continues to grow.
We asked for input from the community and received a wide variety of perspectives on what they saw as the greatest needs and have researched how to best meet those needs. We know that we need a facility that will serve people from a larger surrounding area.
We reviewed several potential locations for a new facility and have secured a site that is both cost-effective and ideally situated adjacent to the Monett city park. By being connected with the park, we can take advantage of much existing infrastructure (water, sewage, etc) and encourage more attendance at community events while drawing people from a larger area.
Exterior view from Highway 37
Exterior view at entrance
Expanding the Community
With this facility, the YMCA will be able to more effectively serve the community and make new services available, helping us build a larger, more cohesive community.
What are some of the things an investment in this new facility will bring to the community?
- Wellness Programs. There is an obesity epidemic in southwest Missouri. Through a combination of increased fitness facilities, course offerings, and entertainment alternatives we can successfully promote a healthier lifestyle for all ages.
- Youth and Senior Programs. The YMCA will be able to offer additional programs to meet the needs of our senior citizens, and expanded before- and after-school, weekend, and activity programs will provide fun, structured, safe alternatives for children of all ages.
- Serving a Larger Area. With features to draw people from farther away, there are economic benefits to our area as well as to people using the expanded facilities.
Planned Additions to be incorporated into the new facility will help us build a stronger community…together.
