The YMCA has contacted five companies and plans on choosing one for each of the two projects, HVAC and roofing, which will begin in April.
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Most of the cost will be covered by loans from local banks, according to Scott Yeazell, president of the board of directors for the Springfield YMCA, who says that this is a much-needed project.
Plans for the replacement have been in the works for a number of years but were finalized due to an increase in funds as well as more roofing regulations that will be enacted in September.
The facility’s roof began leaking eight years ago and was routinely patched due to a lack of funding after the YMCA took a hit financially in 2008.
“Of course the Y experienced a downturn during the recession, but it has worked its way off it, and now membership and program enrollment is up,” Yeazell said.
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An increase in donations along with a boost in memberships has made this project possible according to Paul Weber, CEO of the Springfield YMCA, who says a project like this would of been extremely difficult three years ago.
Boasting a membership of 4,236, Weber attributes this boost to a more aggressive presence in the community, including partnerships with local organizations such as the Residential Treatment Center and programs such as Silver Sneakers that gives recipients a reduced rate in order to use the facility’s fitness equipment.
“We work with each agency to meet their goals, and however we can participate in that, we will do it,” he said.
The roof will be replaced by section, and Weber says that the process will most likely not affect any of the services offered; however, he is willing to close down sections if safety concerns do arise.
The board is currently in the process of narrowing down bids, and contractors will be selected and announced next week.
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