Well, by the time you’ve gotten to this page dear reader, you know the best news and cause for excitement that came Monday afternoon.
Being in person for the landmark agreement between the Bay City Community Development Corporation (BCCDC) and Golden Crescent YMCA aquatics center project was something I don’t think I’ll forget anytime soon.
It’s not like the conference room erupted in applause or anything – but the moment was still awesome and inspiring.
Especially after the city, school districts, and other entities have backed out so far.
Most entities outline concerns on cost, marketability, management, and have been playing “Hot Potato” to see who gets stuck with the majority of the work since at least 2019.
I know Mike has been covering it for what feels like forever!
Still, this Wellness Matagorda County (WMC) project has been in the works for years and suffered setbacks due to COVID, failed partnerships, and selfish parties.
Just a few weeks ago, city council removed possible funding for the regional aquatics center from its 2024-2025 fiscal year budget and decided to revisit it next budget cycle.
Its mind-boggling to me to hear such decisions in the wake of our current crumbling public facilities and features.
Almost anyone and everyone has already heard about the deterioration of Valiant Pool and the recent rehabilitation of Hilliard Pool.
Everything from ancient pool equipment, to broken or missing tiles, and inflated operating costs is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to pool ownership.
And if you hadn’t, well, now you know!
I get it that there are things that need to come first like infrastructure problems, roads, and dealing with city employee recruitment and retention.
However, there are also quality-of-life issues that affect every citizen in the city and possibly the county that should be addressed, too.
I’m excited to see how this center will play out and can already see several marketable points for locals and visitors alike.
While this partnership is just the beginning for BCCDC, WMC, and the Golden Crescent YMCA – it is a step in the right direction.
Sure, it’ll take a few years to finish designing and building the facility, but having a cemented backer like BCCDC means that this project can practically hit the ground running.
I know we’ll keep everyone in the loop as soon as the news reaches us and I look forward to being able to share my excitement, too!
I do commend BCCDC, WMC, and Golden Crescent YMCA for partnering and continuing the project when everyone else has currently bowed out.
It’s a testament to a lot of positive things and a handful of negative ones, too.
Not to mention that from where I sit, it also largely reinforces dedication to our citizens and their safety.
I don’t know who is going to be first in the pool when it finally opens, but I’m game to try and get a picture of it with a long enough lens.
After all, chlorinated water and digital cameras don’t coexist very well!
