Thursday March 18th, 2009 marked a pivotal day for the WECRD as we took the first step in moving forward with the YMCA.
Billie Bernasconi, Vice President of operations and chief strategic officer, for the Treasure Valley Family YMCA met with me and a diverse group representing Western Elmore County to begin the process of creating a "Community Development Leadership Group". During the meeting approximately 80 to 100 names were nominated by the participants to help with planning the future of this project.
This is our first step together. As explained by Ms. Bernasconi, this is important when developing a YMCA in a community. We agreed it would be a smart move for us as well.
The WECRD has made progress over the past years. At first glance it may look like we are "starting over”, but really we are taking a step back to regroup and take another look at the bigger picture.
The Treasure Valley YMCA board has recognized the Mountain Home area as being in their area of impact. Ms. Bernasconi confirmed that all the work the WECRD has done thus far has much to do with why the Treasure Valley YMCA feels we can be successful and makes them interested in working with us,
Their board feels good about this possible union and has given the green light to proceed.
This is a move the WECRD feels would be in the best interest of getting a facility built, be successfully operated and sustainable. Consequently, the WECRD Board is reviewing and negotiating a proposal from the YMCA to partner for the first steps of assessing the potential of a successful YMCA in our community.
The purpose in this first step is to create more community support and input. We also want to make sure this facility will serve as much of the community as possible. Our recreation center will be created specifically for the needs of Mountain Home and designed around the ideas of a future market study that was also recommended by the YMCA.
The thing that excites me the most is that we are working together with an expert group in the area of recreational facilities.
The YMCA has an amazing track record. We feel this cooperative effort with the YMCA will ease the questions and concerns that are in our community. This will begin a rebuilding of community enthusiasm, support and fellowship for the WECRD. We want this recreation center to fill our needs and be sustainable.
These strategic steps will ensure a successful recreation center that welcomes everyone from every walk of life to become our reality!
We will be keeping you updated as we progress and there will be future opportunity for specific input from the community.
Keep watching and catch our excitement! Help us build a landmark for Mountain Home and a heritage for our children, parents and grandparents.
Great things happen as we work together to seek solutions!
Thank You All for your continued, devoted support.
Jana Borgholthaus
