HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 09-14 Maplwood moving to give control of city community center to YMCA MAPLEWOOD REVIEW
Maplewood moving to give control of city
community center to YMCA
Submitted by admin on Wed, 09/14/2016 - 12:00am
Maplewood staff and staff with the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities are considering transferring control of the
Maplewood Community Center operations from the city of Maplewood to the YMCA as an expansion of a partnership
that began last year.
Last year’s partnership allowed the YMCA to manage the Maplewood Community Center’s aquatics programs. The
YMCA also agreed to a fee and revenue sharing plan that allowed the city to break even on the partnership.
A Maplewood release states the improvements the community center has provided to the city have come at a great
financial cost.
“Currently, the Maplewood Community Center needs significant maintenance work and improvements, in addition to
the facility’s yearly deficit of about $450,000,” the release states. It also adds that instead of continuing to fund this
deficit, the city will be able to fund park improvements.
The release reassures residents that they will be able to retain their access to special pricing at the community center
and will also be able to upgrade their memberships to access YMCAs throughout the Twin Cities. It also tells seniors that
if they qualify for health insurance-funded memberships at the community center, they will automatically gain access to
YMCAs across the Twin Cities.
The Community Center’s theater will continue to be managed by Maplewood, according to DuWayne Konewko,
Maplewood’s Parks and Recreation director.
“That will continue to be there and thrive,” he said, though he added that many of the details will be revealed at
community meetings. The first meeting was held Sept. 13, after the deadline for this edition of the Review, but another
community meeting will be held Sept. 20 at the Maplewood Fire Station 1, located at 600 McKnight Road N.
The topic will then be discussed at a Maplewood City Council workshop planned for Sept. 26, and it will be an action
item at the Oct. 17 special city council meeting. If the city council votes to pass this change, it would be effective Nov. 1.
“That’s a pretty aggressive time frame,” Konewko noted, adding “There’s some cushions built in there.”
“Our goal throughout this process has been to build a stronger future for a valuable community asset,” said Mayor Nora
Slawik in a statement. “Our partnership with the YMCA means the Maplewood Community Center will offer more
classes and opportunities for our residents.”