Agenda - 12-01-1997 - 10b - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 October 10, 1997 Mr. Bill Crowther Chairnaii Orange Cuwtly Commissioner 372 St Mary'A RAAd Hillsborough,N.C. 27278 Dear Mr Crowther, The Chapel Hill Carrboro YMCA is undertaking a capital campaign to raise funds to support$2,000,000 in building expansion and renovation. We have begun the Advanced Giving phase of the campaign, and will bring the campaign public once we have raised half of the goal The YMCA will be adding 13,500 square feet,with a new free standing youth building. We will be adding a new fort size gym and renovating the existing space to improve our fitness center,add sepau ate Iuc:ker roams for adults and youths,and make room for the Orange Cardiovascular Center to move into the YMCA. Far more important than the space we need to add,however, are the programs we will be offering to the community. We rally see this as a campaign to provide new programttriag, around which we need to add brick and mortar. For the first time at the YMCA,and in Southern Orange County,we will have space dedicated to teenagers. This means, that the youth in our community will have their own place,off of Franklin Street,that will be supervised,and available for their use. The Teen Center will have gum tables,a computer center,sound system,a teen lounge and space for other indoor activities. A Teen Program Director will supervise the activities and develop programs such as Youth in Government, Teen Adventure Camping,and Y Leaders Club. Teens also will benefit from the addition of a full size Aym,because that will allow the YMCA to offer recreational sports programs such as basketball,indoor soccer, ultimate Frisbee,floor hockey and team handbag which our current facility can't accommodate. We have been consulting with representatives from the Chapel Hill Carrboro Middle and High Schools,Carrboro and Chapel Hill Recreation Department staff and various not for profit organizations such as Volunteers for Youth,and The Teen Scene as we develop additional programs. Walter Britt,YMCA Program Director has consulted with this group and will continue to work in consort with these experts. We are excited that the YMCA is encouraging cooperation and creativity within the witunwity as prusnomming ideas are developed. The new facility will allow us to house the programs and the Teen Program Director, but the programs are the thrust of our efforts. The building however,is very important to the teen population. In survey after survey,as found by the PPP;teens are looking for a,inexpensive place to meet. The YMCA wants to provide this space.