Letter to the editor: Time to breathe new life into a new YMCA facility

Talk about it

Growing up in Jamestown in the 1970s and ’80s I remember the YMCA was a hustling, bustling place for exercise and family togetherness, while also trying to stay fit. Fast forward 20 years later; my wife and I move back here; I was excited for the move and fond memories of the Y started coming back to me. Twenty years can make a huge difference in many things and to my astonishment and disappointment, the YMCA has fallen victim to this tragic change in our society with the popularity of technology.

Having been part of the Y for about six months now, what I have seen is that the Y comprises an underutilized public sector, a vastly populated college clientele, and a building with no visible upgrades since it was built, except for the addition to the gym. Now this letter is not meant to demean the college; we need them and love them as part of our community. That being said, I have visited with many people who would like to be part of the Y but choose not to. Some of the main reasons follow: competition with the Jimmie sports teams, whether it’s in the weight room or the gym, women are not comfortable working out in front of the teams, men can’t get on the machines or the weights, and the public students can’t use it after school or on the weekends because the college is using the gym then.

I have a solution but it will take diligence and deep pockets from the citizenry of this fine town. We build a new building worthy of committing our community to the future of our sons, daughters and grandchildren. I believe the money is here but the folks who can contribute to the immense part of this plan need a justifiable outlet for that money. The Jamestown Public School District has agreed to give the Y acreage to the east of the high school and access to the underutilized but beautiful swimming pool. Price tag: $10 million to $12 million.

What could be more important than investing in the future of our kids and grandchildren? A new YMCA could be a legacy for those who want to make it happen and also give an outlet to generations of kids needing something other than video games and the Internet. A new YMCA can only enhance our town, and future generations of adults and kids will have a recreation center worthy of the citizens who fought for that future. Who in this town will answer that call? Will you be the one to breathe life into a new YMCA?

Paul A. Monson

Jamestown

Tags: opinion, letters, ymca