Gothenburg YMCA- Gothenburg, NE

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Gothenburg YMCA 

Rationale:
A series of community focus groups identified an overwhelming need for expanded wellness and recreation opportunities in Gothenburg. These opportunities were considered vital for the recruitment and retention of young families and businesses to the community. 

Goals:

• Create a wellness and/or recreational center to attract and retain families and businesses.
• Improve community health
• Provide affordable recreation opportunities for low-income families.

Project Summary:
In 2013, the local hospital, Gothenburg Health, began considering a large expansion and facilitated community focus groups to better understand the needs of the community. Ten community focus groups identified an overwhelming need for expanded wellness and recreation opportunities.

A financial feasibility study then concluded that a stand-alone recreation center would cost between $8 million and $12 million, while building alongside the ongoing hospital expansion would allow the recreation center to be built for only $5 million. The community quickly came together to raise money for the construction; $3.3 million was raised by individuals and local businesses while the remaining $1.8 million came from successful grant requests.

After fundraising goals were met, a partnership with the YMCA of the Prairie was formed to include Gothenburg into their association. This partnership helped ensure that the project was far more than just a new building, as the YMCA has the resources to holistically address community needs.

The facility opened in April of 2018 and includes a lap pool, a gymnasium, walking track, and fitness room. The building also contains space for the education of healthier lifestyles, dietary consultation, and programming for all ages.

The facility has also helped bridge social gaps by providing opportunities for all, regardless of income level, through member scholarships. The YMCA provided $30,000 of scholarship funding to help families and children afford the programs and resources, and as of December 2018, over 1,700 individuals have become YMCA members. 

Engagement Strategies:

• A total of 10 community focus groups were held, identifying the initial community need for the project.
• The project was community-driven through steering committees.
• Individuals and businesses collaborated to raise the necessary money.

Outcomes:

• Gothenburg is just the 18th Nebraska community and the smallest in the nation to benefit from a YMCA.
• The facility includes a lap pool, with room for child play and therapy, as well as a gymnasium, walking track, fitness room and cardio machine/weight lifting room.
• The building also contains space for the education of healthier lifestyles, dietary consultation and programming for all ages.
• The YMCA provided $30,000 of scholarship funding to help families and children afford the programs and resources offered by the YMCA.
• Over 1,700 individuals have become YMCA members. 

Additional Resources:
Gothenburg, NE- 2019 AAC Winner: Presentation

Local Contact:
Becky Jobman
Chief Planning & Development Officer
Gothenburg Health
(308) 537-4094
bjobman@gothenburghealth.org