Informational Open House
Saturday, Jan. 10
1699 Deerfield Road
513-932-1424
The Countryside YMCA unveiled plans for almost $8 million in renovations and improvements, including two entrances and a 500-seat community area, while replacing an indoor soccer and lacrosse arena.
Over the next two years, the Y, one of the largest in the country, plans to renovate, reorganize and expand much of the 200,000 square foot facility — in four phases and while continuing to operate.
“As much as possible, we won’t shut down service supply,” CEO Mike Carroll said Friday.
The Y plans to close one entrance, build another and improve a third, while moving gymnastics facilities to an area developed as an indoor soccer arena and expanding its indoor free weight and cardio-strength areas.
The Y is also adding a fitness studio, children’s play-zone and parking, updating its cafe and community meeting areas and reorganizing arts and crafts areas.
The plans, revealed in letters to about 22,000 members, describe the project as a “transformation.”
On Friday, members peppered Board Member Bill Haynes with questions about when the changes would take place and how they would affect services and membership fees.
“We have another source of funding to do this,” Haynes said. “We are not using dues to finance this.”
Officials said there would be a small, yet-to-be-determined membership fee increase in 2015, but not in 2016, to cover operating costs.
The Y spends about $8 million a year operating its main facility in Lebanon, while collecting about $10 million in revenues, leaving about $2 million for capital improvements, according to Carroll.
“This project would have happened without the bond. It would have had a much smaller scope,” he said.
The soccer-lacrosse arena — the only one in Lebanon — will be replaced by gymnastics facilities and a smaller gymnasium, on the lower level, next to one of five indoor pools. Martial arts and youth soccer programs will be continued, but Carroll said he was looking for a new home for the Y’s teen and adult soccer and lacrosse programs.
“I’m working with three or four organizations that have shown some interest,” he said, adding the Y would turn over its indoor arena walls, flooring and other equipment.
Two of six courts used for racquetball and other sports will be eliminated, but two of those will be dedicated for racquetball.
The community area will include a stage, along with seating for up to 500 people, next to the pool used for competitive swimming. The current main entrance will close in late 2016, once a new one has been completed near the current entrance for handicapped members. The entrance along the front of the building at 1699 Deerfield Road will also be enlarged and open to a new parking lot.
About the Author
