4 April 2010 Gem Lake News - Laserfiche WebLink

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Gem Lake News Page 5 of 6 A series of special events are planned this month as part of the White Bear Area YMCA's capital campaign for its renovation project. One of these events will be a "fun run" (and walk) for families and individuals on April 24. The fun run will be sponsored by Vacation Sports in Lakewood Hills Park in White Bear Lake. "This event is designed for the whole family to participate in. It will be for anybody who can walk, no matter what age," said Shane Hoefer, YMCA executive director. "We're looking forward to an exciting and fun-filled month of April." Construction on the YMCA facility is already underway, and officials expect a late June grand opening of the first phase of the project, with full completion coming in early fall of this year. Hoping to reach a goal of $725,000, the capital campaign will complete the fundraising necessary for the $6.675 million renovation to the Northeast Familly YMCA, which has been renamed White Bear Area YMCA and the White Bear Lake Schools YMCA Aquatic Center. The facility will include twelve 25 yard lanes in the aquatic center, at least one diving board, an outdoor splash pool, outdoor waterslide, a 6,000 square foot fitness center, two group exercise studios, a family locker room, racquetball and handball courts, and a gymnasium. The renovation will add an elevator to the facility, making it fully accessible for the first time, accessible restrooms, and a combination step-ramp entry to the pool for those with joint troubles. Officials say a planned teen and senior center is at stake if fundraising effort fall short. This center would provide free access to local teens from 3- 5:30 p.m. weekdays during the school year for at least five years. The Building Communities YMCA 5K will start at 9:00 a.m. on April 24 at the Lakewood Hills Park, immediately behind the YMCA. There is a registration fee of $20 in advance on $30 on site. You can register on-line at www.midwestevents.com or by downloading the form from www.vacationsports.com. For more information, contact Shane Hoefer at 651-773- 2646. "Building Communities" YMCA 5K Fun Run Set for April 24 City council members in attendance at the public hearing weighed in on the matter as follows: "I think it's important to note that all but one in attendance at the hearing really just did not want a park," said City Council Member Tom Rasmussen. "I agree with the comments of others--maybe someday, but today is not prudent." Council Member Jim Lindner also wants to take a wait and see attitude towards the acquisition of any land. "While this presents a unique opportunity for the city to acquire land, there is no real sense of urgency facing us. We may consider this at some point in the future, but the city will not immediately benefit from a land purchase at this time, in my opinion." Mayor Bob Uzpen noted that the six email comments received prior to the public hearing were split, three in favor and three against a land purchase. All those against a land purchase felt it was not needed, they did not want a park, and they felt the city could not afford it. "Citizens in general rejected the opportunity to purchase land adjacent to Heritage Hall," said Bob. "Citizens felt that having a park would bring issues that they did not want to deal with. It was felt that the city could not afford buying the land and insuring its maintenance." Land Purchase Considered (continued from page 1)