Council members did not discuss the item during open session. In a followup email, City Administrator Paul Virgadamo said the city will take over operations of the facility, which includes playing fields, a pool, gymnasium space and outdoor trails, and there may be some expansions. There is no timeline yet on when the facility will reopen, he said.
City Council also approved a resolution to request that the Conroe Industrial Development Corp. provide funding for the purchase.
The YMCA of Greater Houston published a news release March 16 discussing the transaction and the possibility of a future Conroe Family YCMA location.
“With a $50 million revenue loss, [the pandemic] forced us to strategically evaluate the best way in which to adapt in order to resume our membership and wellness operations in a new and very different environment,” the news release stated. “The unexpectedly severe and ongoing nature of the crisis now necessitates that we make extremely challenging decisions.”
Last year, the YMCA completed an Appreciative Community Building Process to learn how to deepen its impact and do more for the Conroe community, according to the news release.
“During the process, it was understood that the need in Conroe was great and critical issues must continue to be addressed by the YMCA. However, this process also identified some issues in relation to the location of our facility,” the statement reads. “The Y will be continually seeking opportunities in the Conroe area.”
The YMCA will be searching for property for a future Conroe Family YMCA location, according to the news release.
