Property changes hands

The deed to the property where the new YMCA will be located in Monett was transferred to the city in a ceremony at Monett City Hall on Monday. Shown from left, are: City Administrator Dennis Pyle; City Commissioners Jerry Dierker and Mike Brownsberger; Mayor Jim Orr; Monett Area YMCA Board President Mike Garrett; Monett Area Y Executive Director Gordon Brown; and Brad Toft, executive director of the Ozarks Regional YMCA. [Times Photo by Murray Bishoff]

"We have been looking forward to this day since we purchased the former Jones/Kleiboeker property in 2009," Garrett said. "City officials have been very supportive of our efforts to build a new state-of-the-art recreation, education and community facility to serve area residents. We are pleased to convey this acreage to the city and look forward to a long and beneficial relationship with the city."

The Monett City Council voted to accept the land at its monthly meeting in February.

"The YMCA has experienced steady growth in both membership and programs since it began operations in the old National Guard Armory in 2004," said Mayor Jim Orr. "With the construction of its new facility, the Y will be able to increase its service to the community and residents of Monett, and the surrounding area will be able to enjoy one of the finest recreation facilities in the four-state area."

The new Y facility will be partially located on the property conveyed to the city and partically on what has historically been park property, the first time the city has agreed to such an arrangement. According to Gordon Brown, executive director for the Monett Area YMCA, the South Park provides an ideal location for the new Y.

"The South Park location provides great visibility and access for the new YMCA," Brown said. "Because it is adjacent to Highway 37 and close to the intersection of Highway 37 and 60, the South Park location not only highlights the new facility, but it is a site accessible both to pedestrians and bicycles riders through Monett's Greenways Trail system."

YMCA officials stressed that fundraising for the new Y facility is continuing, leaving the door open for more resources to be added to the building.

"We have not yet gone to bid on the new facility," Brown said. "Until firm bids are received, we will not know actual construction costs. Additional funds will help offset unexpected costs that may arise during construction and also permit us to add beneficial amenities to the new facility."

"We're excited to see the Y build a new facility. It will be an addition to the park," the mayor added.

To learn more about contributing to the YMCA capital campaign, contact Gordon Brown at 235-8213 or visit www.yourmonettymca.org.