Stalled YMCA renews fundraising push




VISION QUEST—Executive director Patrick Yarrow at the new Triunfo YMCA building in Westlake. It sits vacant awaiting more donations.

VISION QUEST—Executive director Patrick Yarrow at the new Triunfo YMCA building in Westlake. It sits vacant awaiting more donations.

You build it, they will come, the famous movie line says. But that’s not always the case.

Two years after main construction was completed, the new Triunfo YMCA building in Westlake Village sits empty, but the organization has renewed its fundraising campaign in the hope that the 60,000-square-foot family sports complex at Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Lindero Canyon Road can finally open.

The Y building is the centerpiece of the Westlake Village community sports park situated on an 18-acre scenic hilltop overlooking Thousand Oaks Boulevard. The Y and the City of Westlake Village have been working on the joint venture for nearly 10 years. Each party is responsible for paying for its own improvements.

Many of the city amenities—which include 8 acres of baseball, softball and soccer fields; a skate park; a walking and jogging trail; and a playground—are open to the public, except for a few remaining sports fields and a playground that will be finished by fall.

But construction on the Y building, which is being completed in phases to avoid debt, has stalled along with donations. The facility had been slated to open in 2016.

“The skeleton of the building is done, but now we need to put some meat on the bones and skin in it,” Triunfo YMCA executive director Patrick Yarrow said.

Once complete, the new Y facility will have two pools, fitness area, basketball court, multipurpose space, cardio and strength room, child care facility and interactive learning center and cafe.

The first two phases are done, but phase three—which will complete the interior and open the doors—can’t be accomplished until all the necessary funds have been raised.

“The only way to go is to finish this. It’s what the community wants and deserves, so we’re going to make it happen,” said Ronnie Stone, CEO of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA and the man in charge of Triunfo when the fundraising began.

To date, the Y has raised more than $26 million toward its goal of $35 million.

“Every size donation is valuable. It’s time for the community to get involved and show us support,” said Yarrow, a USC graduate who worked at the YMCA on several occasions before he became executive director for the Triunfo branch last spring.

A new capital committee comprising contributors and newcomers who are bringing fresh ideas to the table was established and is working to connect with the public to encourage donations.

Initially, the emphasis was on promoting the building, “but the YMCA is now really focusing on telling the story, the mission of the Y, and the impact our programs have on the community and the people who need the services that will be provided there,” Yarrow said.

Besides offering YMCA programs, the Y wants to partner with health-conscious community groups, schools and companies to make the new building a hub for community services.

“It will be a gathering place as well as an opportunity for various programs to be offered. Now we have to see who is interested. That will help us to identify the true needs of the community and create momentum,” Yarrow said.

The facility will be ideal for diabetes prevention programs, cancer support groups and drowning prevention classes, Stone said.

“The Y is known for its child care and camp programs, but there is a lot more to what we do. We are a wellness center for the entire family,” he said.

Lead benefactor David Murdock, the Dole Foods chief and a Lake Sherwood resident, committed $21 million to the project. Yarrow’s parents, Doug and Penny Yarrow of Westlake Village, were among the first benefactors. They contributed $1 million to help the Y reach its goal.

“It’s an important asset for the entire community, from young mothers to young children, teenagers and seniors, and the sooner this gets built, a wonderful community amenity will be there for everyone to enjoy,” said Doug Yarrow, a former mayor of Westlake Village.

“They’re going to get there; they’re absolutely going to get there. They just need a few more contributions to get it done. We’re hoping that the community will step up now,” the elder Yarrow said.

“It may take a little longer than anticipated, but this is a very generous community that supports the YMCA,” Westlake Village City Manager Ray Taylor said.

“My hope is that even if the Y can’t raise all the money it needs now that they will be able to open at least a portion of that building and introduce it to the region to expose the community and region to the facility itself,” Taylor said.

Stone said Y leaders are exploring that possibility.

After a recent committee meeting, the Y received $200,000 in contributions to jump-start the new campaign.

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *