City Looking At Bringing In A YMCA Program

Bringing a YMCA facility to the Cartwright Multipurpose Center will be on the September 9 agenda of the Wills Point City Council, mayor Scott McGriff said.

McGriff and city manager Jim Stephens met with Stuart Gilpin and Brandon Salisbury of Lake Country YMCA on Tuesday, and only the details of a lease agreement and approval by the city council remain as obstacles to an agreement.

"This is a beautiful building with a lot of potential," said Salisbury, program director. "It is an asset to the community, and will serve a variety of age groups and provide job opportunities for the community."

Immediate plans for the facility would include youth sports programs, childcare, senior citizen, and health and wellness programs. A long-term goal could also include a swimming pool.

"After a lease agreement is reached, with approval from the city, we will start a capital campaign to raise money for workout equipment," Salisbury said.

"This is another positive step of growth for the city," McGriff said. "To have a nationally recognized name such as the YMCA come to Wills Point and occupy a building already owned by the city is something to be excited about, and we’re excited about our association with the YMCA."

The city will seek volunteers to serve on a local advisory board. Any citizen that would like to serve on the board or make donations to the capital campaign should call Stuart Gilpin, CEO of Lake Country YMCA, at (903) 593-7327 ext. 24.