Planning commission backs YMCA expansion and new public sports areas in Waxahachie

The planning commission voted to recommend approval of a plan-development zoning change for the YMCA at 100 YMCA Drive, a project that includes a 21,000-square-foot building addition, about 29,000 square feet of covered outdoor activity areas and roughly 82,000 square feet of outdoor sports and activity space.

Zach, the planning staff presenter, outlined the site plan and said the project proposes to add approximately 107 parking spaces to the existing 109, add covered pavilions with sports courts, and provide new public uses such as a child daycare center, playfields and a commercial swimming pool. "They're looking to add about 21,000 square feet to the building," staff said.

John McLaughlin, executive director of the YMCA, said the Y is converting roughly eight acres of the 12-acre site to public-facing park space and estimated the total project cost at about $15'16 million, with roughly $3.2 million raised for the park components to date. "We're converting about 8 acres to really public space," McLaughlin said, and added the outdoor spaces will be open to the entire community.

Commissioners asked about capacity and parking during peak programming; the Y and staff said reciprocal parking agreements and improved signage will help manage occasional peak demand. Staff reported no letters of support or opposition were received during the public-notice period and recommended approval subject to the conditions in the staff report. The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to city council for final action.