Audio clip
David Ashburn
The YMCA may be turning its attention to Walker County after plans to build a permanent building in Catoosa County fell through late last year.
Walker County Commissioner Bebe Heiskell said YMCA officials are "looking for a presence" in Walker County, but that doesn't necessarily mean a building. YMCA officials are looking at using existing schools, recreation buildings or senior centers for school programs or senior adult activities, she said.
The Y has announced it will be leaving its storefront location in Fort Oglethorpe when its lease is up in April.
"The last I heard was that they weren't going to build in Northwest Georgia," she said.
Randy Brown, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Chattanooga, confirmed the group's plan.
"We're not looking for a building just to have a building," he said. The North Georgia YMCA is a branch of the metro group.
He said the Y's focus is on day camps, teen leadership programs, youth sports, activities for seniors and afterschool programs in Walker County.
"We really want to be in North Georgia, there's no doubt about that," he said. "What we've got to figure out is what would that presence look like."
Ms. Heiskell said she had shown YMCA officials a few sites and is trying to put together a meeting with other county leaders.
"We're going to feel out some ideas and some options," she said.
Officials in LaFayette and Chickamauga said they haven't heard anything concrete but know of rumors and have received an e-mail from Ms. Heiskell, who is trying to set up a meeting.
Rossville Mayor Johnny Baker said he would be "100 percent for it" if the Y wanted to open in his town.
"There are several pieces of property that are available," he said.
Ron Wade, chairman of the Rossville Downtown Development Authority, said his group is waiting to hear back from the Y about the four-story, 64,000-square-foot former Wachovia bank building on Chickamauga Avenue.
He said his group's inquiry "stirred some interest," and he plans to attend the commissioner's meeting.
"There seems to be a desire all over Walker County for the Y to locate here," he said.
But Mr. Brown said he doesn't believe the site in Rossville is a good match for the Y.
Ms. Heiskell said she isn't expecting any movement anytime soon.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they wait to see what the economy does before they make any commitments," she said.
Andy began working at the Times Free Press in July 2008 as a general assignment reporter before focusing on Northwest Georgia and Georgia politics in May of 2009. Before coming to the Times Free Press, Andy worked for the Anniston Star, the Rome News Tribune and the Campus Carrier at Berry College, where he graduated with a communications degree in 2006. He is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at the University of Tennessee ...
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