Press Release:
The YMCA & Community Center
is Coming to the Foothills

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The YMCA & Community Center is Coming to the Foothills

FROM: Desert Foothills YMCA & Community Center
CONTACT: Chastity Diede
                      602-257-5166
RELEASE DATE: For immediate release

THE YMCA & COMMUNITY CENTER IS COMING TO THE FOOTHILLS

Cave Creek – Two young boys jump in the pool for their first swimming lesson. A young mother works on her fitness program while her toddler is in child care. A local senior resident plays bridge while another swims laps in the recreational pool. A teen enjoys the company of friends after working in the computer lab. A 32-year-old business man attends classes in finance and photography. A local non-profit organization holds a community meeting over lunch in the dining hall. What do all of these people have in common? Soon they will all be able to pursue their chosen activity at a central location in the Desert Foothills.

According to a needs assessment survey done in 2001, a multi-generational center would receive heavy use and financial support from the surrounding communities of Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Carefree and northeast Phoenix. A partnership developed among the Valley of the Sun YMCA, the Foothills Community Foundation (FCF), Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC), Scottsdale Healthcare, and the Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD) to build a 49,000 square foot project.

A major component, the YMCA building (Phase I) will include a wellness/fitness center with state of the art equipment and programs to promote healthy lifestyles. An adult multipurpose room will provide space for classes in aerobics, yoga and other activities. Space for children's programs will be accommodated in a children's gym and activity area. An area for teens will be designated for healthy living programs, a computer lab, and recreational opportunities. The lobby area will be enhanced by a rock climbing wall, snack bar and reception area. At a later date, Phase II will consist of a gymnasium and an outdoor running track.

An aquatic center will be a major element. It will include an indoor/outdoor teaching and recreational pool with facilities for therapeutic and rehabilitative use. Like other valley YMCA's, the facility will be a membership organization that is fee-based for both membership and program services. No person will be denied membership or program participation for inability to pay.

The Community Center will provide a variety of meeting spaces and kitchen services for diverse non-profit community groups as they work to support the Desert Foothills community. It will contain a spacious comfortable living room/library facility where senior residents can meet for conversations, bridge, chess, or just to relax.

On the same mini campus and linked to the Community Center will be the education facility owned by the Maricopa County Community College District and utilized by Paradise Valley Community College. It will have five classrooms, a computer laboratory, and the appropriate administrative and support space.

Each component part of this project will address a recognized need in the Desert Foothills area. Overall it will serve the diverse interests of this cosmopolitan community.
Fundraising activities have begun for the $10 million project. The campaign, called "Building Community Connections," is currently seeking leadership and major gifts, with naming opportunities available. Ground breaking is anticipated to begin early in 2007 with occupancy in early 2008.

For more information or to volunteer to help with the campaign, call 602-257-5166 or email CLDiede@vosymca.org.

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