Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation Center topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
YMCA pitches 40,000-square-foot community center for Northside Park; council asks for financing options
Summary
YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas presented a proposed 40,000-square-foot community recreation center for Northside Park and outlined programming and partnership models; council asked staff to return with packaging options for possible voter consideration and co-location with a 20,000-square-foot library was discussed.
YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas representatives told the Forney City Council on April 7 that a public-private partnership could deliver a new community recreation center at Northside Park, with programming ranging from aquatics and after-school care to workforce-readiness offerings. "We are a valued partner," said Elise Back, the YMCA's chief growth officer, describing the organization as a nonprofit that aims to build community hubs responsive to local needs.
Brandy Perryman, the YMCA's chief operating officer, described potential facility sizes and cost ranges and emphasized operational expertise: "We usually build them under $500 a square foot," she said, adding that a typical modern facility could include an indoor pool and child-watch areas. Council and staff discussed financing models such as bond packages, leaseback arrangements and potential inclusion of a 20,000-square-foot library in a joint package; city staff agreed to develop options and return with estimated footprints and costs at a future meeting.
