YMCA discusses next steps after reaching fundraising goal

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)-- The St. Joseph, Mo. YMCA successfully reached the goal of $14 million set by the city for a public indoor aquatic center.

Now, CEO Tammy Killin and staff, will prepare for a presentation in front of the city council on May 12.

"What we will do is just present what our plan is, we'll discuss the renderings," Killin said. "Discuss what the dynamic of the actual operation will look like as well as the building too."

Throughout the process, the YMCA has researched other facilities and learning what worked and what didn't to be able to create a "state-of-the-art facility for the community."

To assure a viable budget, Killlin said the board decided to put a margin in the budget and make the YMCA goal for the fundraiser to be $15 million.

"To allow for inflation cost or for changes like when you go to another place and see these changes," Killin said. "It's a really smart move for us, it gives us an opportunity to be able to then if we did have that extra... We can make it even better."

Looking ahead, if the pool is approved and the YMCA goal of $15 million is reached phase two of fundraising will begin for a gymnasium/ swim crash area.

Killin reflected on the past year of fundraising.

"I think the key contributor is that we've had a community that really embraced this, that has been part of the excitement from when we did the pedal for the pool," She said. "There was a lot of excitement here… People believe in this and what they want for this area they really want this resource."

Beverly Marshall is a St. Joseph resident and is looking forward to the new types of exercise a facility like this can provide.

"St. Joseph needed that a lot," Marshall said. "After traveling around the country, we don't have a facility that is adequate and hopefully with this new possibility and opportunity, we have a new exercise activity that will work for everybody."