YMCA plans branch in park
Karen Klinka
Published: Thu, January 29, 2004 12:00 AM
Officials with the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City are involved with the design phase of a new YMCA in Earlywine Park, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.
Cara Langer said the $7.5 million branch, which will be the largest YMCA in the metro area, will replace the South Oklahoma City YMCA that closed last fall.
"I don't have all the details yet of everything the building will have, but it will be a full-service branch, said Langer, the YMCA's vice president of communications. "The architects are working on the design now to see what can be included with the available funds.
Langer said she expects the final design plans to be ready soon and bids on the project to be requested in the next month or two.
Construction is expected to start this summer, with the new building ready by fall 2005.
Langer said the Earlywine YMCA at SW 119 and May Avenue will be on land in Earlywine Park, which is owned by the city of Oklahoma City.
"We have a long-term lease with the city for the land, Langer said. "It's going to be a great facility when it's built.
Funds for the Earlywine project were raised during the YMCA's capital campaign in 2002, which exceeded its $10 million goal.
Money from the campaign also will be used for other YMCA projects throughout the metro area, Langer said.
The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City operates seven branches in the metro area. It served more than 70,000 people last year.
For more information, call 297-7777.
Archive ID: 1688221