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County moves forward with YMCA feasibility study and early‑care planning
Summary
Economic development staff said a YMCA feasibility study will begin in May to evaluate expansion options; commissioners and staff also described a broader early‑care coalition exploring feasibility for multiple child‑care sites across Orange County.
Skyler, the county economic development representative, told commissioners the Washington County Family YMCA has approved moving forward with a feasibility study to explore potential YMCA expansion in Orange County. The study is slated to begin in May, will run roughly 90 days, and will include focus groups and 600 telephone interviews to forecast membership, revenue and recommended facility features at candidate sites including Pale and French Lake.
"We are just at the very beginning of starting line," Skyler said, stressing that the feasibility study must demonstrate whether a YMCA is sustainable before the county commits to construction or operations.
Commissioners and staff also described ongoing work by an early‑care coalition led by the community foundation that is exploring child‑care options in several communities, including a possible reuse of existing buildings and a West Vaden park shelter. Brandy Terrell said technical assistance will be assigned regionally and that approximately $15 million per region is anticipated through the Grow program; she urged local nonprofits, municipalities and schools to register for TA sessions and to prepare to participate in feasibility planning.
County officials emphasized the process is preliminary: fund sources are not secured, regulatory hurdles remain, and feasibility studies will determine if and where facilities could open. "This is not a done deal," Brandy said. "It is simply a big project and we're doing the best we can with very limited financial resource."
Why it matters: A feasible YMCA or additional child‑care capacity could expand recreational and early‑learning opportunities and relieve child‑care shortages in multiple Orange County communities. However, officials said multiple steps remain, including feasibility validation, funding, and regulatory compliance.
What comes next: The YMCA consultant will complete the 90‑day study after it begins in May; the early‑care coalition will continue feasibility work and report back to the commissioners as funding and site options become clearer.
