First Fundraising Efforts Launched for Facility in Parker County
The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth is looking to expand its mission and impact by establishing new services in 14 Texas counties in addition to its present offerings in Tarrant, Johnson, Parker, and Hood. The nonprofit is working with local leaders to identify needs and assess the potential of YMCA programs and facilities in new communities, by opening the door to partnerships with schools, churches, governments, and other organizations.
The first step through that doorway is already underway in Parker County, where the YMCA has launched an active fundraising campaign to purchase and renovate the former Willow Park Baptist Church at 129 S. Ranch House Road in Willow Park. The YMCA hopes to raise $12 million to acquire the property, which includes a 60,000-square-foot building and 15 acres of land. An additional $15 million will be needed to renovate the existing structure and create a state-of-the-art YMCA experience.
“We are thrilled to see the interest and enthusiasm for a YMCA in Parker County and hope we can work together to create a vibrant, inclusive facility that serves families, youth, and individuals of all ages,” said Mike Brown, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth. “The YMCA is more than a building. It is a hub for health, belonging, youth development, and community strength.”
“We’ve spent a great deal of time in prayer and reflection considering the best future for our former campus,” said Clark Bosher, pastor at Willow Park Baptist Church. “Although we received other offers, none aligned with our vision for community impact quite like the YMCA. Years ago, we hosted Y programs on-site, and we’re excited to see those services return — this time through a true community hub that will serve Parker County in meaningful, lasting ways.”
Other priority counties being considered for expansion are Montague, Young, Jack, Wise, Stephens, Palo Pinto, Eastland, Erath, and Somervell. Additionally, the YMCA will consider proposals for Hamilton, Comanche, Archer, Belford, and Throckmorton counties.
“The YMCA offers vital programs that promote health, wellness, education, and social connection,” Brown said. “Our goal is to bring those services to communities that currently do not have a YMCA presence and explore how we can provide recreational and developmental activities to more young people, families, and individuals.”
The YMCA offers a “contact us” form on its website to gauge community interest in programs and partnerships as well as identify potential funding partners in the expanded service area. Some future locations, such as Parker County, have a dedicated Facebook group for residents and partners to receive information and provide feedback.
“We’re going to use social media as a tool for residents to tell us about their needs and learn how they can support bringing a Y to their communities,” Brown said. “We will then work with each community to evaluate the most suitable YMCA services or facilities to meet those needs and look for funding partners to support those efforts.”
Informational packets will also be available to explain options for bringing the Y experience to a community. They include a Y without walls (programs only); a Y Express or Y Garage, which offers fitness programming only; and a full-service facility with access to all the resources and programming of a traditional YMCA.
