Plans include major partnership with Concordia University Texas to create shared community sports and wellness facilities.
The YMCA of Austin has purchased a property in West Austin that it will transform into its first center in the Four Points community. The facility is expected to open in 2024 and will provide health and wellness and recreational programs as well as education, enrichment and care for kids.
Located on RM 620 between Anderson Mill and RM 2222, the site had previously served as a Children’s Learning Adventure Child Care Center. The property is 9 acres, and the building was completed in 2016. In addition to the structure, the property currently includes a variety of outdoor amenities, bringing the total area of programmable space to 55,000 square feet.
Neighboring Concordia University Texas has become a major partner in bringing a Y to Four Points and envisions a variety of collaborative projects. Concordia will break ground on a new athletic complex in early 2023, including a soccer stadium, track and field facilities, and a tennis court. Plans currently include the use of these facilities as a part of a partnership with the Y.
“As a member of the Four Points community, Concordia University Texas is proud to continue to invest in this community alongside the YMCA,” said Dr. Don Christian, Concordia University Texas President and CEO. “Concordia’s investment will take many different forms, including a commitment of resources to further the missions of both institutions. These resources will include educational expertise, an ongoing financial commitment, and the use of shared facilities.”
Christian said another possible partnership opportunity lies in jointly constructing a swim and dive center that would be used by both the university and the community. The organizations are also continuing conversations about academic programs, including early childhood education certifications and pathways to earning a four-year degree for YMCA employees.
“Every YMCA center is designed to reflect the unique character of the community it serves,” said Kathy Kuras, YMCA of Austin President & CEO. “That’s why we plan to listen to our neighbors first to learn how we can best serve them, and we want to find more partners who can help bring this facility to life.”
In October, the Y will convene a series of community meetings and host an in-person and virtual open house to determine what services area residents need most. That input from the community will provide a clearer picture of facility development needs, which will inform architectural and construction timelines, and, ultimately, the total project cost and fundraising goals. Details are available at www.FourPointsYMCA.org.
“We know the Y will offer programs for all ages,” Kuras said. “Whether it’s achieving a fitness goal, learning how to swim, connecting with neighbors, volunteering or serving on staff with us, the Y is a catalyst to help people find and power their purpose, whatever that unique purpose may be.”
The entry into West Austin is the culmination of research and planning that has taken place for more than a decade. Local real estate developer and YMCA supporter Pete Dwyer has been a part of conversations with the Y since 2009, and he says the Y will be a valuable addition to the area.
“To this day today, I remain committed and convinced that a YMCA facility in the area will be a boon to the Four Points community,” Dwyer said. “The YMCA can bring health and wellness opportunities, and a host of things to do to the area.”
