(In photo from left to right: Tim Helm, President and CEO, Gateway Region YMCA, Tom Verheyen, Executive Director, RiverChase YMCA, Joe Maurath, Mayor of Fenton, Robin Huels, Alderwoman and Board of Alderman President, City of Fenton, Nikki Finkbine, City Administrator, City of Fenton, Dan Howard, Public Works Director, City of Fenton, and Matt Clark, District Vice President, Gateway Region YMCA.)
FENTON, MO (Sept. 14, 2022) – At a ceremony today, the City of Fenton and the Gateway Region YMCA celebrated their partnership agreement allowing the Y to assume operation of the RiverChase Recreation Center to become the RiverChase YMCA.
“Strengthening community is core to the Y’s mission, and we are grateful to Fenton City officials for this opportunity to be part of this growing City,” said Tim Helm, President and CEO of the Gateway Region YMCA. “We look forward to serving more youth, families and individuals in this area, and to greatly expand the program offerings in the community.”
Discussions about the partnership first began in the fall of 2021 when the City of Fenton approached the Y about operating RiverChase. The Fenton Board of Aldermen and the Gateway Region Y worked together to explore and evaluate the viability of sharing resources to improve service to the Fenton community.
“The City of Fenton truly values an organization like the Y that has been a staple in the community for over 150 years,” said Joe Maurath, Mayor of Fenton. “This partnership will greatly benefit Fenton residents, and we are excited about the new opportunities and resources the Y will bring to help grow and strengthen our City.”
The partnership is a win for both parties, with the shared goals of improving the membership experience, expanding access to Y programs, and decreasing the City’s deficit to allow tax revenues to be better utilized. The Gateway Region Y currently has a similar partnership with the City of St. Louis in operating the Carondelet Park Rec Complex and the O’Fallon Park Rec Complex.
The Y has already begun offering youth swim lessons, youth sports, and water exercise, and has expanded group exercise. RiverChase Y members will have access to all other 23 locations in Missouri and Illinois, and the many amenities and benefits that come with being a Y member in the bi-state region.
Area residents can take advantage of a $0 Joining Fee special that runs through the end of September.
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About the Gateway Region YMCA
The Gateway Region Y is a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Featuring 24 traditional Y branches in Missouri and Illinois, along with the Campus Y student leadership facility at Washington University. The Y also includes YMCA Camp Lakewood and Trout Lodge in Potosi, Missouri. The Carondelet Park Rec Complex and O’Fallon Park Rec Complex are owned by the City of St. Louis and operated by the Y. Additionally, the RiverChase YMCA is owned by the City of Fenton and operated by the Y. The Y is committed to serving people of all abilities. For those who qualify, the Y offers financial assistance so everyone has the opportunity to participate in its programs, regardless of ability to pay. The Y is a proud member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. For more information, please visit www.gwrymca.org or call 314-436-1177.