Community Orgs Family Life Services
Chippewa Valley YMCA Could Open Facility in Menomonie, Launches Market Study
hundreds to be contacted for study to determine feasibility of a new YMCA
V1 Staff |
The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley has continued to expand – notably with its purchase of the former Eau Claire Fitness facility on the south side of Eau Claire in the new year – and now the organization is considering extending its reach into Menomonie. During the week of April 24, the YMCA launched an online survey to glean feedback on potential expansion.
Currently, there are three main YMCA facilities: the Chippewa Falls YMCA; Eau Claire Downtown YMCA; and the newly added Eau Claire South YMCA. The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley is also home to the L.E. Phillips YMCA Sports Center, John & Fay Menard YMCA Tennis Center, and other programs and resources such as Camp Manitou.
As part of the survey, more than 400 randomly selected homes throughout the Menomonie area will be called in the coming weeks. Current YMCA members who reside in the Menomonie area will be emailed an online survey to gain feedback. Preliminary survey results are expected in late May, delivered by Triangle2 Solutions.
“The vibrant community of Menomonie is ripe for a YMCA. With our progressive spirit and thriving educational environment, the addition of a YMCA would fulfill a significant need.” –Menomonie Mayor Randy Knaack
“Our goal is to understand the needs of the communities within our area and determine how our organization can help answer the call. Collecting the data and voice of the residents in Menomonie is the logical next step in this process for our team,” said Derek White, president and CEO of YMCA of the Chippewa Valley, in a recent media release.
Data collected from the market study will be used to: determine the gaps in health and recreation services currently in the community; provide relative interest in major facility features, programs, and curriculum; determine the range of membership and program fees residents are willing to pay; project the number of new members and program participants the center can expect; and test potential locations and how they will impact demand.
“The vibrant community of Menomonie is ripe for a YMCA,” Mayor Randy Knaack said in the media release. “With our progressive spirit and thriving educational environment, the addition of a YMCA would fulfill a significant need.”
The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley has offered its services and resources to families and the larger community for more than 150 years.
