A capital project kick-off dinner was held Thursday night.

Renderings of the renovated Bill Bartley YMCA were revealed at the event.

Noel Filer, YMCA Mission Advancement Director, said they are excited to show the public.

“We are so excited because we have been working on our campaign for quite a while,” Filer said. “We are far enough along where we can announce it to the public. It’s a project that is going to be such a game changer for the quality of life for Wichita Falls.”

The YMCA of Wichita Falls has served the community since 1944.

Filer said they are proud of what they have accomplished over the years, but are now focusing on the future.

“What we are going to be doing is building four new facilities at the Bill Bartley branch,” Filer said. “They will include a new childhood center, a new indoor complex, a new double gymnasium and a new gymnastics facility.”
Filer said high membership numbers are part of the reason why.

“The YMCA is currently at the peak of membership and program participation,” Filer said. “That is part of the reason why we have needed to expand. Our facilities are just busting at the seams, and we need some new one’s to adequately serve our families. We especially have a heart for our kids.”

If anyone wants to contribute towards the cause, Filer said they can.

“If people would like to help us out, we would invite you to go to our website, and help us finish this dream,” Filer said. “Help us make it a reality. We have been around for 70 years, and this will carry us well for decades into the future.”

The learning centers will have classrooms for preschool children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old.

There will also be a separate space dedicated to children ages 5 to 14 years old.

The double gymnasium will have two full size basketball courts with adequate seating for spectators, as well as youth and adult volleyball, fitness classes, and programs for special needs children.

– Newschannel 6