By Christine Bryant
Staff Writer
For several years, city leaders have discussed the possibility of bringing the YMCA to Reynoldsburg.
Now, plans are moving forward to further gauge the community’s interest in constructing a joint community/YMCA health and wellness center.
The city will host a town hall meeting for the community at 6:30 p.m. April 13 at the Reynoldsburg Senior Center, 1520 Davidson Drive, so residents can learn more about the potential project.
Recently, the city, YMCA of Central Ohio and PB&A Marketplace Intelligence completed research that began gauging residents’ reactions to the prospect of having a community center. Organizers of the town hall meeting will share those survey results at the meeting, as well as address questions pertaining to the facility, programs, community needs, funding and other items of interest, said Dan Havener, development director for the city of Reynoldsburg.
While it is early in the process and potential funding for the project is still being discussed, Havener said the city is considering an income tax increase of 1 percent to help pay for the construction of the center and provide funding for community center operations.
“But a majority of the additional revenue generated from the income tax increase will be used for expenses that are not directly associated with the center, such as city infrastructure improvements, utilities, street repair, parks and recreation, and senior center improvements,” he said.
Preliminary results from surveys and focus group studies show high on the list of concerns for Reynoldsburg residents is the pricing for membership, which city officials said in a news release they will address by developing a fee system that contributes to the facility’s sustainability, but also is appropriate pricing for the area.
Other early results from surveys show residents have an interest in aquatics, an indoor walking/running track, multiple exercise studios, a state-of-the-art fitness/cardio center, a teen center and a social area with healthy snacks.
Respondents also expressed interest in water-based exercises, lap swimming, pilates, Zumba, yoga, programs that help children succeed in school and physical rehabilitation.
Havener said the majority of those polled viewed the proposed location for the new community center in Huber Park where the old pool is located as a convenient and good location.
In a news release, Reynoldsburg Brad McCloud said he is excited about this opportunity for the community.
“We look forward to our partnership with the YMCA of Central Ohio and re-establishing the former property as a key element to the future of the city of Reynoldsburg and the quality of life of our citizens,” he said.
Havener said no timeline has been set at this time for the development of a community center.
“It’s still too early in the process,” he said.
Community members can also check out facebook.com/REYCommunityCenter to see what the city is developing and what it will be dedicating to the conversation related to the proposed community center.
