Kerra Smith
"If these programs are no longer viewed as core to the Y's mission, that should be communicated clearly and directly to the families who have supported them."
Thank you for the opportunity to share my interest in the Valles Pool. As a YMCA member, I would be very interested in any additional details you are able to share about the future of Valles and the analysis behind your consideration. I hope you may enhance communication to the wider membership, as this is a topic of great interest across many stakeholders.
Does the Valles Pool currently generate revenue, or have the potential to generate revenue, for the Y? What is the revenue shortfall and lack of endowed funds to support ongoing spending needs? Does NCHS contribute financially in any way for its use of Valles? What communication has the Y's Caimans swim team received from the Board, and what is the plan, if any, for continuing a swim program at the Y? It is my understanding that the synchronized swim team has been cancelled in recent years due to lack of support by the Y.
Anecdotally and on a personal note, this feels like another disappointing development from the Y this year. First, Y Ki campers experienced another year of leadership turnover. Then Y Ki campers were denied access to outdoor swimming at Kiwanis Pond (a decision I have been told resided with the Y and not Parks and Rec), and the substitute is that my children will spend time riding around town on buses to receive swim instruction indoors at the Y. And now it appears the swim and dive programs may also be at risk of constrained pool time and resources. These decisions raise broader questions about the Y's priorities and communication with families.
Has the Y studied how much membership is driven by campers, swim families, and related youth programs? If these programs are no longer viewed as core to the Y's mission, I think that should be communicated clearly and directly to the families who have supported them.
I would appreciate the opportunity to speak further and look forward to ongoing communication. I would also ask that possible capital campaigns be considered to meet the financial needs of preserving the Valles Pool, as well as enhancing the Y Ki camp experience to keep kids off buses and outside swimming.