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St. Joseph council approves $7 million funding agreement with YMCA for new aquatic center
Summary
The St. Joseph City Council voted 9–0 to approve an ordinance authorizing a $7,000,000 contribution and a $270,000 annual operational commitment for 20 years to the YMCA to build an indoor aquatic facility at 3601 North Village Drive. Public comment mixed praise for community benefits with concerns about control, access and use of parks-tax funds.
St. Joseph — The City Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance authorizing a funding agreement with the Young Men’s Christian Association of Saint Joseph that commits $7,000,000 toward construction of an aquatic facility at the YMCA community campus, 3601 North Village Drive, and an annual operational contribution of $270,000 for a 20-year term. The measure passed by a 9–0 vote.
Supporters told the council the facility would restore year-round access to swim lessons, provide competitive opportunities and expand water-safety programming. “Tonight, I’m asking you to please move forward with the YMCA collaboration,” Carrie King said, describing how swim lessons transformed her daughter’s life and urging the council to seize the opportunity to serve families.
Former competitive swimmer Jennifer Denny and youth athletes described the need for a 50-meter pool with spectator seating capable of hosting meets. “We can make a big change by making a partnership and collaborating together to build a facility of the magnitude that we need in this town,” Denny said. Fourteen-year-old Karina King told the council the proposed facility would reduce long drives for competitions and help grow aquatics locally.
Opponents and some residents raised two recurring concerns: that the 2021 parks tax voters approved earmarked funds for city-controlled pools and parks, and that the public could lose operational control if a private nonprofit manages the facility. “We need to let the people of Saint Joe vote on this,” Donna Lichtty said, urging the council not to reallocate tax dollars without broader approval.
Council members and other speakers sought to address access concerns. Sarah Hochschwander asked whether bus service and hours of public access would be guaranteed; the mayor and the YMCA representative responded that the city will provide free bus passes and the YMCA described a $6 daily fee for city residents, with children 3 and under free and scholarship support available. “We have an agreement with the city for $6 a day for city residents,” the YMCA representative said, adding that scholarships and financial aid are available.
Several speakers, including resident Jim Whitinger, urged the city to retain active oversight of the facility. “I think the city needs to have some involvement in the construction of what’s going to be built, how it’s going to be built, and how it’s going to be managed,” Whitinger said, asking for mechanisms for ongoing review and accountability.
The YMCA representative said an optimistic construction timeline would begin site work in September or October if approvals are secured, followed by an 18-month build; otherwise construction would start in 2026 and take about 18 months.
Procedural history: Council member Davis moved to attach the funding agreement to the ordinance; Council member Eslinger seconded that motion and the council voted to attach the agreement. After public comment and council discussion the ordinance authorizing the funding agreement passed 9–0.
Next steps: The funding agreement is attached to the ordinance as approved; the project will proceed to the implementation and permitting steps described by city staff and the YMCA.
