Title
A Resolution Finding a Public Purpose in the Continued Leasing to the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region of the Ground Upon Which the Southeast Y is Constructed
Presenter:
Kim King, Assistant Director - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Kellie Billingsley, Real Estate Services Manager
Body
Summary:
The City of Colorado Springs and the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region have a longstanding relationship based on the shared goal of providing recreational facilities and activities to the community. Today, these two organizations are asking City Council to confirm the continued public purpose being met through the renewal of the ground lease established in September 2000 in support of the construction, and the resulting operation, of the Southeast Y.
Background:
In the late 1990’s, the City of Colorado Springs wanted to provide additional recreational facilities and activities for its citizens. As part of the April 1999 Springs Community Improvements Program (SCIP) bond election, funds were approved for multiple projects including supporting the construction of a new Y facility in Southeast Colorado Springs. In addition to $4.6 million toward construction costs, the City offered to lease the YMCA the ground upon which to build the recreation center. The YMCA provided the remaining funds of approximately $6.7 million toward the project. This arrangement allowed the goals of increased recreational opportunities to be met in Southeast Colorado Springs through the joint efforts of these two organizations.
The operating agreement in place, along with the twenty-five (25) year ground lease, recognized that the facility would be managed as a regular branch of the YMCA for the benefit of the public. A nuance to this operation was the fact that in addition to its membership model, this Y site would also offer daily use fees so that the public need not become members of the Y in order to use the recreation facility. Additionally, during the term of the lease, the aquatics portion of the facility would remain under City ownership although it would be operated by the Y. The lease specifically offered the option to convey the aquatics portion of the facilities to the YMCA, merging it into the legal description of the facilities owned by the YMCA, upon completion of the twenty-five-year timeframe.
The Y is a cause-driven organization with a focus on strengthening the communities in which it operates. The three key areas of focus are: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This is reflected in the programs and services offered as well as the commitment to never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Specific to the Southeast Y, a day rate is available due to the unique partnership agreement in place since its construction. Daily rates are $15 per adult, $10 per child and $45 per family. Initially this rate applied only to the pool area, but Y leadership will now be extending this daily rate to the entire facility. Further support of military members is seen through a 25% discount in membership rates. Financial assistance is also available with over $200,000 provided through the Southeast Y in 2025 which typically has the highest level of assistance across the Y facilities (based on data from its 2024 annual report).
Due to its continued service and success in Southeast Colorado Springs, the YMCA has requested a renewal of its lease for another twenty-five-year term. The City of Colorado Springs wishes to continue this arrangement as well to ensure continued recreational programs and services in this part of the community. Per the initial lease conditions, Real Estate Services is working to convey the aquatics portion of the facility into the YMCA’s ownership as well as finalizing a new ground lease. The essence of the lease remains the same although language has been updated to current standards.
Previous Council Action:
There have been no recent City Council actions associated with the City’s collaboration with the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region
Financial Implications:
The City is proposing a $1/year lease in exchange for the YMCA continuing to assume all facility and operational costs as well as providing quality recreational facilities and programs to the community at the Southeast Y.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board heard this item at its September 10, 2026, meeting. Board members requested additional information, which was presented at its October 8, 2026, meeting. Staff will provide any Advisory Board recommendations during the presentation to City Council on October 12, 2026.
Stakeholder Process:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board meeting serves as an opportunity to receive public input.
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move approval of the resolution finding a Public Purpose in the continued leasing to the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region of the ground upon which the Southeast Y is constructed.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A