FUTURE FACILITY PLANS
WHAT IS THE TIMEFRAME FOR STARTING CONSTUCTION FOR THE NEW NORTHWEST Y?
Construction of the new Northwest YMCA project is slated to begin once the capital fundraising campaign has reached approximately 50% of the estimated project costs. The current project scope of the 75,000-square-foot Northwest Y is approximately $16 million. It will be constructed on 10 acres donated by the Knapp family.
HOW LONG SHOULD CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW BUILDING LAST?
Construction of similar YMCAs in Des Moines has been completed in 14-18 months after a nine-month architectural planning phase.
HOW WILL THE FACILITY BE FUNDED?
A capital campaign has been underway to engage individual and corporate donor gifts. A major gift campaign is currently underway for the Northwest Y with approximately $2 million raised for an $8 million goal. It is anticipated that no tax funds will be used for construction.
WHAT WILL MEMBERSHIPS AT THE NEW NORTHWEST Y BRANCH COST?
The Northwest Y Branch will be consistent in membership dues with the other full facility branches of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. Go to www.dmymca.org and select My Y Rate to see the current fee schedule.
IF I AM A MEMBER OF THE NORTHWEST Y WHAT OTHER Y BRANCHES CAN I GO TO? – Members of the Northwest Y will be able to utilize all branches of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines at no additional fee except for the Y Healthy Living Center in Clive. Members of the Northwest Y that wish to utilize the Y Healthy Living Center may inquire about membership rates for that facility at any of our YMCA branch member service centers.
WHAT TYPES OF PROGRAMS AND CLASSES WILL BE OFFERED AT THE NEW NORTHWEST Y?
The YMCA is for Healthy Living, Youth Development and Social Responsibility. The Northwest Y will have a variety of programming that will meet the needs of the surrounding community in order to meet these three areas of focus. Healthy Living programs are aimed at improving the nation’s health and well-being and include programs developed around family time, health, well-being, fitness, sports and recreational activities. Youth Development programs will nurture the potential of every child and teen through child care, youth development, swimming lessons, youth sports, and day camping. Social Responsibility programs will allow for giving back and providing support to our neighbors through volunteer opportunities for all ages and abilities in a variety of ways.
HOW IS FUNDRAISING PROGRESSING WITH THE NORTHWEST Y?
A tentative goal of $8 million (50% of the proposed project scope) has been established for the Northwest Y building project. To date, approximately $2 million has been raised toward the $8 million goal.
PLEASE DESCRIBE WHAT BUILDING FEATURES THAT THE NEW NORTHWEST Y BRANCH WILL INCLUDE.
Branches of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines reflect the community in which they sit to adequately meet the diverse and unique needs of each community. Our facilities are simply tools to meet the needs of the community. Traditionally facility designs have included an 8-lane competition pool, recreational/family teaching pool, locker rooms and family changing rooms, child watch area, racquetball courts, indoor running track, gymnasium, cardio and spinning studios, fitness center and outdoor athletic fields. As we learn more about the needs of the Northwest Y community, facility designs will be adapted to fulfill the programming needs to strengthen the community.
IT’S BEEN SEVERAL YEARS SINCE THE PROJECT WAS ORIGINALLY PROPOSED. WHY HAVE OTHER PROJECTS, LIKE INIDIANOLA AND RIVERFRONT, BEEN MOVED AHEAD OF THE NORTHWEST Y?
The YMCA of Greater Des Moines continues to grow through the central Iowa region as we strengthen the foundations of community. Multiple projects are underway throughout our service area so we can adequately serve the growing population and many needs in our community. The Northwest Y project continues to evolve and has developed a strong presence in the Grimes Community Center. In addition, we encourage those who live in the Northwest area to take advantage of opportunities at nearby facilities in Ankeny, Waukee, Clive and Windsor Heights.
WHERE WILL THE NEW NORTHWEST Y BE LOCATED?
The Y will be located east of the Wal-Mart Supercenter on E. 1st Street in Grimes. The facility will be located on the south side of the road on approximately 10 acres of donated land.
