YMCA on cusp of major changes
Hutchinson’s YMCA, located at 716 East 13th Avenue, is “bursting at the seams,” according to David Foster, the organization’s branch director, and is slated for replacement by 2026.
In a Monday noon speech to the Hutchinson Rotary Club meeting held at the Hutchinson Community College, Foster said a $20 million capital campaign is approaching a successful conclusion. If all goes as planned, ground will be broken this fall for a 75,000-square-foot facility at a yet-to-be-determined location.
In 1884, the world’s first YMCA saw its origin in England. Seven years later, in 1851, America opened its first YMCA in Boston. Hutchinson was barely four years old as a city in 1876 when the Salt City opened a YMCA, which has operated at its current location since 1964.
In 1997, Foster’s YMCA career started in Oklahoma City and following stops in Colorado and Missouri was named Hutchinson’s Branch Director May 10, 2022.
The YMCA's mandate is much the same today as it was at the time of its founding: The mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that promote healthy lifestyles, strong families, and positive youth development, to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, regardless of the ability to pay.
On multiple occasions, the YMCA has assisted in the formation of new sports, which remain to this day.
“The YMCA assisted James Naismith, founder of the game of basketball, in part, to give sports enthusiasts something to do in the months following football season,” Foster said. “Also, volleyball was developed as a sport at a YMCA.”
Foster said in 2022, the Hutchinson, Newton and El Dorado YMCAs joined the Greater Wichita YMCA in a special affiliation. As a result of this relationship, the Hutchinson YMCA benefits through personnel, payroll, and other services.
“Also, the Hutchinson YMCA is now able to compensate employees more than previously,” Foster said. “In addition, YMCA members in Hutchinson can utilize services in Newton, El Dorado and Wichita without additional charge.”
Hutchinson’s YMCA serves 4,927 members, an increase of 324 over the previous year. Foster predicts the opening of the new facility may result in a membership increase of as much as 300 percent.
Not all YMCA services and programs include a charge, and, in some situations, it is not necessary to be a member.
“The YMCA is for all people, regardless of their ability to pay,” Foster said.
During 2024, the YMCA will give scholarships totaling more than $250,000 to offer services on everything from swimming lessons to gymnastics.
A program called “Will Power Hour” assists people afflicted with neurologic disorders, including Parkinson’s. Approximately 30 participated in the program this past year. Also offered is a program called “Livestrong,” which provides support for cancer survivors.
A program called Saturday Night at the Y allows sixth, seventh and eighth graders to swim, play basketball and work out on the second Saturday night of the month, excluding June and September. More than 500 participate in this program annually.
Foster said the YMCA works closely with TECH, Horizons Mental Health Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hutchinson’s Police Department, and United Way of Reno County to provide services as needed by each agency.
“One hundred percent of funds raised in Hutchinson to support the YMCA stay in Hutchinson,” Foster said.
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