This picture provided by the task force shows what a YMCA in Battle Ground could look like.
Optimism over a potential Battle Ground YMCA is growing as work to design and build a facility could begin this summer if a feasibility study turns out favorable results.
YMCA of Columbia-Willamette is currently having Vancouver-based Westby Associates conduct a study looking at how realistic it would be to fund a facility that would primarily serve North County residents. YMCA of Columbia-Willamette President and CEO Bob Hall said right now the study is in its second phase and the goal is to have it completed around June.
The study is specifically looking at a 40,000 square-foot facility featuring a pool, among other amenities. The price tag for such a space is roughly $16 million, though a task force formed to bring a YMCA to Battle Ground is optimistic that goal could be reached.
Jodine Dixon, Battle Ground YMCA Task Force leader, said as of March 15 the Task Force had reached nearly 80 percent of its fundraising goal. The task force formed after a series of teen suicides in 2012 with the goal of offering activities for local youth.
According to Dixon, covered in that $16 million is a gymnasium, exercise facilities and a warm water therapy pool. She noted that the task force has planned for an expansion to happen featuring a lap pool, similar to how the Clark County Family YMCA expanded.
For now the task force’s goal is identifying funding for the one-fifth left to reach. When speaking to The Reflector, Hall commented on the task force’s efforts to help to fund the studies necessary to move forward.
“We like to see that there’s a commitment on the behalf of the citizens of the community,” Hall said. He referenced a prior study that looked at the market of the area in 2017 which found the demand for a YMCA was there.
Dixon noted that the $16 million plan includes a teen center that would offer a place for teenagers to hang out regardless of YMCA membership. She stressed the community-minded nature of the push.
“We don’t have any government entity that is pulling significantly on this project. Really, the bulk of it is coming from our community,” she said.
By June the task force hopes to have a plan for full funding from start to finish so they can plan on finding land and designing the facility.
“It’s been a long journey,” Dixon remarked. “I’m at the point where I believe it’s going to happen and it’s just a matter of how all these last pieces come together.”
Though Dixon said the task force is looking at properties within Battle Ground city limits she notes that a YMCA would be a benefit for all of North Clark County.
“I really think it will be a hub for our community,” Dixon said.
{{tncms-inline content="<p class="p1">Battle Ground YMCA Task Force leader Jodine Dixon asked that those looking to contribute to building a facility contact her at (360) 686-4422.</p>" id="1a7d4144-7c4a-4cbe-ab8d-d7dd1a7c9f3f" style-type="bio" title="If you want to help" type="relcontent"}}
