Monett YMCA sets $10M fundraising goal

The Monett Area YMCA is starting a capital campaign for a new building and more services, and the organization has set a big goal: $10 million.

The campaign, according to a Monett Y news release, was a result of input from several community committees who agreed that there was a need for a new facility.

The organization plans to build a larger, more handicapped-accessible building adjacent to Monett's South Park that would include an indoor pool, expanded wellness center, water therapy pool, indoor track, aerobics and dance rooms, a game room, art and meeting rooms, and racquetball courts.

No timeframe has been set for the campaign.

"The YMCA's current facility is aging," Executive Director Gordon Brown said in the release. "Maintenance and repairs are costly. The lack of program and parking space is a daily issue. The ability to add programs and classes is limited. Space for additional fitness equipment is virtually nonexistent."

The Monett Y is part of the Ozarks Regional YMCA Association, which also includes the Ozark Mountain Branch in Hollister, Bolivar/Dallas County Area YMCA, Camp Wakonda, child care branches, and two facilities in Springfield.