YMCA Facility Becomes Park
and Recreation Activity Center

by Jack Fogel

In 1977 the residents of Rock Island participated in a major YMCA fund-raising effort. This drive raised approximately $1.6 million to construct an estimated $1.9 million fall-service facility. The facility was eventually built on a 13-acre wooded tract and consisted of such characteristic YMCA features as: 1) a multipurpose gym with two full basketball courts and volleyball, and floor hockey areas; 2) three racquetball courts; 3) an indoor running track; 4) weight and exercise rooms with both free and stationary equipment; 5) office, lobby, and laundry rooms; 6) a day care nursery; 7) locker and shower rooms for men and women, with sauna and whirlpool facilities, and separate locker rooms for boys and girls (all fully air conditioned); 8) and an indoor heated pool with a hydraulic "shallow end" floor that raises from 0 to 7 feet to accommodate a complete range of program opportunities.

Upon completion of the structure, the "Y" board began to experience financial difficulties. Efforts were made to extend the fund drive to match construction costs, but this proved unsuccessful, resulting in immediate cash flow problems. With the lack of adequate funds, the building and its mechanical equipment deteriorated rapidly. Unsuccessful capital expansion ventures prompted an estimated 50 percent decrease in membership over the next few years.

As the "Y"s ability to meet financial and charter obligations lessened, civic leaders became concerned as to how these mounting financial obligations could be met while maintaining this valued community asset. Over $150,000 in committed "Y" pledges could be secured if confidence in the facility's viability were restored.

Parks and Recreation Involvement

For the past 13 years the Rock Island Park and Recreation Department had been leasing an elementary school, which served as the city's full-service recreation center. The park board was interested in expanding and was studying options for facility moves and/or improvements. One idea centered around the possibility that financial pressure and asset deterioration would not allow the "Y" to fulfill its mission. The department was approached by business leaders, bank CEO's, and past fund drive contributors as to its interest in negotiating a reorganization amiable to both the park and recreation department and the "Y" board of directors, with the purpose of transferring responsibility for management and function to the park and recreation department.

After months of negotiations and attempts by the "Y" board to successfully reorganize, a final package was agreed upon.

The Day Foundation, a local foundation formed by the late Mr. and Mrs. Victor and Doris Day, served as the facilitator to administer the transfer. The foundation administrator coordinated efforts of all major contributors: bank presidents, city officials, park and recreation staff, and YMCA representatives into a winning community situation. Everything possible was done to protect the image of the YMCA board while accomplishing a transfer of the facility and keeping the complex and its programs intact.

In September of 1990, an agreement was reached to transfer the title for $1. This agreement also included the newly formed branch "Y"'s privilege to maintain office space in the building and use the swimming pool for 30 hours per week at no charge. This program was granted for a period of two years, after which they would be required to pay fall "square foot" and "hourly"coverage rental rates to the park and recreation department. The city agreed to fund a facility rehabilitation account in the amount of $250,000. This fund was needed to replace or rehabilitate everything from the roof to the basement boilers. The banks agreed to discount their $500,000 loan and the "save the 'Y'" pledgers agreed to honor their $150,000 promises. In addition, many pledgers added to their previous pledge commitments while new businesses joined in the effort with sizeable donations. In order to meet me fall recreational requirements of the park and recreation department a new six-classroom addition was to be added to the existing facility. This $600,000 improvement was financed through $200,000 of park and recreation department capital improvement funds and $400,000 in G.O. Bonds. In November 1990, construction began on the new addition with a target date of June 1, 1991. During this time, membership increased from 1,150 at the time of transfer, to approximately 1,850 as of July 1. The department's goal is to reach 2,500.

The community has responded well, as membership increases indicate. It will take time to convince the former "Y" members that the transfer was necessary to the community and that parks and recreation should have become involved. The business community is pleased and a major asset of the city was preserved during some hard economic times.

The Quad City communities, Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, plus Davenport and Bettendorf on the Iowa side, have been hit hard by the decline in industrial manufacturing. The area is poised for regrowth. Diversified light and professional industry prospects are improving and the community is excited about the new possibilities that riverboat gambling may bring. Rock Island is pleased to be contributing to the overall quality of life with its new fitness and activity center. Area residents are responding and professionals anxiously await the Quad Cities' tourist and visitors trade.

About the Author
  Jack Fogel is director of parks and recreation for the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department.