Why does the Y need to renovate?
The current facility was built in 1966, with the pool added in 1986, and the outdoor sport court in 1996. This nearly fifty-year-old facility is in desperate need of repair and renovation. The renovation will meet ADA requirements and seismic standards and incorporate green building initiatives to safeguard air, water, and earth by choosing eco-friendly building materials and construction practices.
Did you get the neighborhood’s feedback before submitting plans?
Yes. Information meetings have been held at the Y and multiple presentations have been made to the Montecito Association over the years. Valuable community input has been incorporated into the plan including reducing the size of the project by more than 30%, lowering the height as well as numerous architectural improvements. Moving forward the YMCA will be setting up additional meetings for the immediate neighbors and Montecito Association on a more routine basis.
Are you expecting more members to join after the renovation?
Market research projects a 5% increase in membership, if and when the entire project is completed. Being that the Y is planning to renovate in phases, it may be many years before the entire project is completed. This will spread out the modest membership increases over many years and several phases. While the Y exists to serve all people, we will require that membership and program participation requests from those living and working outside of the Montecito Family YMCA community will be redirected to other branches. We will be establishing a self-imposed membership cap, to ensure our members have the space they need. Our current CUP has NO membership restrictions.
Will this renovation cause parking congestion?
The renovation will create over 40 additional parking spaces onsite. Additionally, community members may choose to continue to park in Lower Manning Park. To meet County Planning department recommendations, the Y may cap class sizes during peak participation times and/or reschedule classes to off-peak times if necessary.
The Y currently has a parking agreement with County Parks to allow members to park at Lower Manning Park. For over 50 years community members have been parking in the Lower Manning Park for access to the YMCA, Montecito Union School and community events at the park. Unless the Park is closed or the use changes, parking will still be available at Lower Manning Park.
Will parking still be available at Lower Manning Park?
Will there be a gym?
Our new enclosed sports court will feature an indoor multi-use gym, allowing all-weather sports, innovative exercise space, and a community activity center, which the community has asked the Y to provide.
Will you be offering the facilities for tournaments and competitions, creating more crowding?
No, regional events such as basketball tournaments and swim meets will not be held at the Montecito Family YMCA.
How will this renovation impact light and noise?
By enclosing the existing outdoor program areas (Sports Court and outdoor fitness area), we will provide better light and noise abatement.
As a long-term member, what does this renovation do for me?
This is a fabulous site; our promise is to make it better for all. The existing, 50 year old YMCA facility has deficiencies that limit the services it can provide to the community without updating. The Montecito Family YMCA is committed to improving existing services according to the Montecito community needs.
How will the Y afford this project?
A fundraising feasibility study will be conducted by an outside professional firm, actual phasing of construction will depend on funding.
Through the vetting process the difficult decision was made to eliminate the onsite Preschool building from the renovation plans. Factors that led to this decision include many years of inconsistent enrollment, the addition of free transitional kindergarten at public schools, ever increasing operating expenses, changing demographics, the high cost to build a new conforming Preschool building and programming limitations in licensed care programs. With new flexible programming space the YMCA will endeavor to implement new and innovative programs for children of all ages that do not fall under the restrictive guidelines of licensed care and enable us to provide flexibility in our program spaces.
What will happen to the Preschool?