Wichita State University and the Greater Wichita YMCA announced they are in advanced discussions to build a new YMCA on the Innovation Campus to serve WSU students.

Under the plan, WSU students would automatically be Y members and have access to the nine full-service YMCAs located in Sedgwick, Butler and Harvey counties.

The 60,000-square-foot facility being discussed would also include state-of-the-art workout facilities, student health and wellness services and a drop-in daycare center.

During the construction period, all students would have access to all existing Y facilities. The closest current Ys are at 3300 N. Woodlawn and 9333 E. Douglas.

The Y surveyed WSU students last May, and 50 percent of the respondents indicated that they exercise off-campus. However, 88 percent said they would likely or very likely use an on-campus facility that had the amenities they were looking for.

"This partnership gives our students the opportunity to use any of the Y's great facilities and programs in the metro area. We think students are going to love this," said Teri Hall, WSU vice president for student affairs.

Ron McMahon, president and CEO of the Greater Wichita YMCA, says the collaboration with WSU is a great way to fulfill the Y's mission of developing young people and promoting healthy living and social responsibility.

"We know there are many WSU students who are already part of the Y family," he says. "By adding a YMCA on the Wichita State campus and providing memberships to students, it will help us reach our goal of making Wichita healthier than you can imagine."

The YMCA would design, build and maintain the facility, as well as operate the fitness and daycare centers. Operating costs would primarily come from student fees assessed per credit hour. The overall cost to students would be significantly lower than an existing standard Y membership. The campus YMCA would be the 10th location included as part of any membership with the Greater Wichita YMCA. Faculty and staff could also join or use the new facility with their existing Y membership.

The WSU Board of Trustees would contribute $5 million to construction costs. The university would operate the wellness center, including student health services and counseling.

The new facilities would open about 18 to 24 months after a plan is approved. It would be located at the northwest corner of Innovation Campus, where Perimeter Road meets Mike Oatman Drive, south of Eck Stadium.

"Partnering with the Y will be tremendously beneficial to our students," said Hall. "The Y has a great track record of building and maintaining outstanding facilities and programs to benefit members and the community. And this partnership gives us an opportunity to expand our health and wellness options on campus."

"The Heskett campus recreation center was built in 1983," Hall said, "and while we are very proud of the programs and services the Campus Recreation staff have developed, the current facility doesn't meet the expectations of today's students."

Hall says intramurals, sport clubs, aquatics and the crew team will still be housed in the Heskett Center, and she expects the Campus Rec staff to create additional initiatives to engage students.

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