NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — David Foster with the Hutchinson YMCA said that fundraising for a new Y will continue into 2024.
"We're real happy with the progress we've made so far," Foster said. "I know I've mentioned it on here a time or two, but we're looking to raise around $20 million to provide us the type of facility and amenities that we would want to have here. Year to date, we are officially in pledges at $9,650,000. Kind of where we wanted to be, but even a little bit ahead of schedule, which is really, really exciting."
Once they get to $20 million, then the clock starts on getting their new facility built.
"It will probably take a year to 18 months, I would say," Foster said. "Just depending on exactly what we're going to be doing. We'll have a little better handle on that the first of this year. We'll be getting some pretty specific drawings done from our architects, as far as the amenities and things that our new YMCA will have and we can get everybody in the community really excited about that."
The plan is to make things a little bigger, but be in the same place in town.
"We just love that location, near the high school, near the college and centrally located in town," Foster said. "We just feel that is pretty accessible for everybody in Hutchinson, but also allows us to build on some partnerships that we already have with the school district, the college and the Boys and Girls Club and some other local agencies, as well."
The cost of the Y may actually be above the $20 million mark, but they plan to take out a loan for the rest and pay it back over time with operating revenue.
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