NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — YMCA of Wichita Executive Director Ronn McMahon told Hutch Post Friday that there's some work to do in Hutchinson, but they wanted to be there when aquatics were discussed with the City Council and Hutch Rec.
"We're working hard with Hutchinson to make that facility and programs as good as we possibly can and continue to look for ways to serve Hutchinson," McMahon said. "We would love to have a new building. We'll work towards that goal. That goal would include indoor aquatics which would be complementary."
McMahon sees the management agreement that the Hutchinson Y went into after the retirement of Kirby List as a positive so far for both sides.
"We've been in a management agreement for about six months," McMahon said. "We're excited by that. We're hoping to sort of formalize that in the next couple of months. In most cases, it's just hard to have all of the financial expertise behind a standalone independent YMCA and so, there's just been a moment around the country to sort of consolidate a little bit so we can continue to provide services in local communities."
McMahon does see a need for more space in Hutchinson eventually.
"To build a building and to raise the money and all the things that it would take, looking for potential partners and all that," McMahon said. "That will take a couple of years probably and more likely, a little longer than that."
McMahon notes that they have done some market research and there is some interest in expanding services, but in order to do that, it might best be accomplished either with reinvestment in the current building or having a new facility elsewhere.