(12/10) Thurmont officials are in the early stages of discussion regarding the establishment of YMCA programs and facilities in town. Chris Colville, CEO of the YMCA of Frederick County attended the town meeting and gave a presentation to Thurmont’s Board of Commissioners on December 10.

Economic Development Officer, Vickie Grinder, began by explaining that a Thurmont resident recently approached the town with interest in pursuing avenues to bring a YMCA to town. In response, town staff reached out to the Frederick County YMCA for additional information on how to proceed with this potential project.

The purpose of the YMCA, explained Colville, is to strengthen the foundations of the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Frederick County has the 7th oldest YMCA in the nation, and has worked to bring YMCA facilities to smaller towns and areas. "Knowing the impact that we have had on other small areas of the county, we want the town of Thurmont, and we want Emmitsburg, Sabillisville, and other smaller pockets of Frederick County to have those same experiences just like other folks do, whether they’re in Frederick or they’re outside of Frederick. Typically you start with a "grass roots" approach, meaning you create programs, build interest and eventually move into a permanent space."

Consequently, this isn’t the first time Thurmont has discussed the idea of bringing a YMCA facility to town. Mayor John Kinnaird noted that around twelve years ago, the town talked about bringing a YMCA to Thurmont, however, plans fell through. This could offer another opportunity to address some of the communities’ needs and concerns.

Colville continued by discussing that based upon the needs assessment completed in Thurmont, residents are looking for, and have an interest in: sports (exercise), outdoor activities, reading, arts and crafts, gardening (outdoor education), home (family, cooking, baking, nutrition), and music. The YMCA has the capacity to support and/or address a majority of the above-mentioned services, Colville explained.

Additionally, the YMCA has the ability to address some of the major community needs and concerns including: drugs/crime, the lack of activities for teens, and the lack of senior/assisted living specific programs to support active/older adults. In the past the YMCA has provided services or memberships to vulnerable populations and may also be able to create teen-specific programming at a Thurmont YMCA facility. "I think we can be a part of that solution in providing healthier choices earlier in life, getting young people involved and engaged in understanding what a healthy lifestyle is," stated Colville.

"I think it’s a great idea, the community has a lot of needs that can be addressed by the YMCA," noted Mayor Kinnaird. "I think we should move forward with this and start small and see if we can grow it." All Commissioners expressed interest in moving forward with pursuing this to help create a place for families and individuals alike to go in Thurmont. "I would love to see us proceed with something… it would take a lot of things into focus, and would help us provide more things for families," stated Commissioner Wayne Hooper.

As discussed, the next steps for the town would include hosting small focus groups in order to obtain greater detail on specific interests and needs. After holding these focus groups, Colville recommends providing a larger opportunity for a community forum to share data collected and obtain additional feedback. There is already a group of 30 people from Thurmont that have expressed an interest in sitting in on a focus group. The first meeting for community members to assist with providing feedback on this project is scheduled for January 21 from 6-7p.m. at the Thurmont Library. Anyone interested in participating in any focus groups or meetings can contact kselby@frederickymca.org.

"We are excited about pursuing this with you. I’m not necessarily promising we can do everything, but I think we have an obligation to find out what you need and see what we can do and how we can support your town," Colville ended.