YMCA Exploratory Committee unanimously approves final report recommending YMCA in Lexington Park
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Summary
The committee voted to approve its final report and recommended that the county pursue a YMCA in Lexington Park, endorsing continued work with the YMCA of Chesapeake and county staff on a draft MOU and site selection.
The YMCA Exploratory Committee for St. Mary's County unanimously approved its final report and recommended that county commissioners move forward with plans to pursue a YMCA in Lexington Park.
The committee’s final meeting, conducted virtually, wrapped up the group’s formal work and transmitted a report — including a feasibility estimate from consultant Triangle 2 and letters of public support — to the county commissioners for their consideration. Committee members also approved a small edit striking a sentence from Recommendation 5 in the report.
The report recommends negotiating a memorandum of understanding with the YMCA of Chesapeake and continues work on site selection and community engagement. Committee member John Parlett said the vote and the report reflected long-standing local support: "I am exceedingly confident we have delivered that political will," Parlett said, urging commissioners "to provide the appropriate budgeting to make sure that this moves forward in a very, very timely fashion." Parlett also noted the committee had identified three candidate sites for a Lexington Park location.
Public commenters submitted three prerecorded videos to the meeting. Joanna Bartow, a Leonardtown resident, said: "I strongly support the funding for and quick construction of the YMCA in Lexington Park," citing the need for a physical community center after pandemic disruptions. Marjorie Walsh, a local teacher and former YMCA camp director, told the committee the YMCA provides supervised, safe activities and job opportunities for young people and asked the county to proceed: "I really hope that we push forward and bring the Y down here to Southern Maryland, specifically having a community center at Lexington Park." Both comments appear in the meeting record as part of the public-comment video package the committee played.
Committee discussion included the draft scope of work and memorandum of understanding (MOU). Members emphasized that community outreach should be flexible in format: the YMCA of Chesapeake and committee members described using surveys and multiple feedback methods alongside in-person or virtual community meetings so the planning process can continue without delay. A committee member said community meetings were specified to "get input from all areas in the county so that nobody feels left out," while others noted surveys and phone outreach would be important to reach residents during the pandemic.
The committee thanked Robbie Gill of the YMCA of Chesapeake for assisting with development of the scope and for ongoing support. The meeting packet included a feasibility estimate from Triangle 2, letters of support collected from residents and stakeholders, and demographic and site information provided by committee members.
Votes at a glance - Motion to approve today’s agenda — approved (motion made; seconded by Beverly Johnston). Individual roll-call votes not specified in the meeting record. - Motion to approve minutes from the Feb. 20 meeting — approved (motion made; seconded by Monica Lee). Individual roll-call votes not specified in the meeting record. - Motion to strike the second sentence of Recommendation 5 in the final report (page 2 and duplicated on page 13) — approved by voice and roll call; committee members recorded "aye" for the motion. - Motion to approve the final YMCA Exploratory Committee report and forward it to the county commissioners — approved by roll call; committee members recorded "aye". The committee’s recorded membership present and speaking during the roll call included Jenna Guzman, Michael Brown, Donovan Weekly, Tyrone Harris, Monica Lee, Captain John Brabazon, John Parlett, Bennett Wilson and Beverly Johnston.
The committee adjourned after the unanimous approval and several members offered brief closing remarks thanking staff, volunteers and community supporters. The report and accompanying materials will be presented to the St. Mary's County commissioners for their consideration and any subsequent budget or scheduling decisions.
