Bastrop, Tx–Preliminary talks have begun between city officials and YMCA leaders in Austin about the possibility of developing new recreation programs in Bastrop.
Both Bastrop City Manager Mike Talbot and Council Member Julie Hart say prospects look promising, and public discussion of the possibilities could begin nest month.
“There’s a lot of interest” in exploring a cooperative arrangement between YMCA officials and the city, Talbot told the city council on July 14.”I’m really excited” about the potential opportunities, said Hart.
One suggestion under consideration is for the city and the YMCA organization to split the cost of hiring a recreation planner to survey city needs and potential facilities for new programming, Hart said in a Friday telephone interview. Working with the YMCA could allow the city to “leverage our tax money” with private funds provided through the YMCA, she said.
No new recreation facilities are currently envisioned as part of the arrangement, said Hart.
Council Member Ken Kesselus said when he was a pastor in Pearland many years ago, he became aware of an analogous city-YMCA arrangement which appeared to be “quite successful.”
No date for a public council discussion of the issue has been set.