A candid conversation with Lou Bettencourt
After seven years in San Benito County, the YMCA is working with
the Hollister School District to establish a new YMCA facility. The
YMCA is in negotiations to acquire property from the Hollister
School District for a new facility. This week The Pinnacle talked
to San Benito County YMCA Executive Director Lou Bettencourt about
the new facility and what work needs to happen before the facility
can become a reality.
A candid conversation with Lou Bettencourt
After seven years in San Benito County, the YMCA is working with the Hollister School District to establish a new YMCA facility. The YMCA is in negotiations to acquire property from the Hollister School District for a new facility. This week The Pinnacle talked to San Benito County YMCA Executive Director Lou Bettencourt about the new facility and what work needs to happen before the facility can become a reality.
Q: What’s the status of the new facility? Please describe the new facility in terms of size and the amenities the new structure will contain?
A: We are in the process of finalizing negotiations with the Hollister School District for 7.5 acres. The Hollister School District and Dr. Crates, Superintendent, have been valuable and critical partners because they see the value a YMCA facility will bring to our community and are working very hard to help us make that dream come true.
The YMCA of San Benito County will be a first class, flagship facility. Although the design plans are still down the road, we can count on a few elements, such as it will be a 40,000+ square-foot facility with pools, work-out areas, community rooms, common areas, ample parking and room for expansion.
Q: How will the YMCA pay for the new facility?
A: A common misconception is that because we are part of a worldwide organization we receive money from it. However, the beauty of our system is that each Y reflects its local needs. As a result, after our community space needs and design plans are completed, the YMCA of San Benito County will commence a capital fundraising campaign that will raise the money from our community.
Q: What are the demographics of the YMCA’s current users? Who else will use new facilities at the new structure?
A: [Specific demographics were not readily available] Everyone is welcome at the YMCA, regardless of age, race or income. In fact, we want everyone who walks through our doors now and in the future to say “this is my Y.”
Q: Will the new building compete with other facilities? How are you prepared to deal with that?
A: San Benito County does not have other flagship, nonprofit facilities. Regardless, we understand we can’t do everything and there are many organizations in San Benito County that do a fabulous job and fill a tremendous need. For example Ridgemark has an excellent Tennis Program. San Juan Oaks has a great kid’s golf program. USA Sport Connection excels in teaching children gymnastics. Facilities currently with public pools, such as Rovella’s, do a great job filling their own unique niche. We value those quality providers as partners in our community, not competitors.
Q: What’s the timeline look like for this project?
A: We need to secure our financing for the land first. Due to negotiations, we can’t discuss terms. However, we are looking at a preliminary timeframe of a three-year capital fundraising campaign to commence later this year. Once we have a substantial portion of our donations, we can begin construction.
Q: Are there additional items or services the new facility will offer the community?
A: We will be researching the community needs and after the results are in we will make a public announcement about what our community’s YMCA facility will look like. We are looking forward to incorporating unique partnerships in our facility as well.
Q: How many people are currently using your services? How many people do you suspect would use the new facilities?
A: Since the YMCA of San Benito County opened its doors in 2000, we have experienced tremendous growth in program participation and donations every year. We proudly serve 110 children in our after-school programs; with plans to open a sixth location this August. Our Hip-Hop Dance class has grown from 15 at the end of 2005 to over 50 now. In addition we have senior programs, toddler programs, basketball programs and Summer Camp. Some programs operate in our store-front facility at 339 Fifth Street, but many programs are off-site, attesting to the outstanding partnerships we have established in the community. Participation in our programs varies according to needs, [for example] Summer Day Camp participants swell during some weeks; with an average of over 90 kids each week. To be financially viable and sustainable, we expect to enroll a minimum of 1,000 members in our new flagship YMCA facility.
Q: What are the projections for the new facility?
A: Other than the projected 1,000 members, until we know what the community needs are, it would be premature of us to assemble projections for the new facility at this time.
