Category Archives: YMCA Recreation Center

Concrete Pour – Tuesday 6/23

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Dear Wheatlands Residents

Please be aware that there will be a concrete pour occurring onsite at the new rec center location on Tuesday, 6/23.

Due to the size of the pour, 250 yards, the full day will be required for pour activities, and therefore slight preparation will be required starting at 6AM.

Pouring activities and work will not begin until 7AM, Thank you for your understanding on this matter.

Ground Breaking Ceremony

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It was a chilly day, and we want to thank everyone who came out and braved the cold to be with us on this exciting and important milestone in the project.

We had several speakers at the ceremony, representing the YMCA and the Wheatlands Park and Recreation Authority, share what the project means to them and the community. We want to thank Kimberly Armitage, Vice President of Strategic Growth and Membership for the YMCA of Metro Denver, Sue Glass, President and CEO of the Denver YMCA, Kathy Barela Board Member of the Wheatlands Park and Recreation Authority and Craig Wagner, Advisory board member of the Aurora Family YMCA for speaking at the event.

Please join us in recognizing the following members of the YMCA Advisory Board….
Adrian Frank
Greg Shields
Jim Bickford
Krista Simonson
Michael Giles
Richard Turnquist
Robert Jamieson
Susan Davis
Stephen Brunston
Mary Beth Brunston


YMCA Staff Members…
Kimberly Armitage
Lori Walker

We’d also like to thank these key contributors to the project:
Country Commissioner Jeff Baker
Friend of the Y, Debbie Ford and Brian Curd

Representing the project funder, Mutual of Omaha, Rebecca Kuhle and Matt Hanson
Architect Keith Hayes and the Team at BRS Architecture
Our General Contractor, the Team at Adolfson & Peterson construction

Members of the Wheatlands Park and Recreation Authority…
Kathy Barela
Polly Martin

Rotary members…
Rick Richard
Ken Hostetler

And investors…
Larry & Jeannie Pisciotta
Craig & Angel Wagner

We celebrate the vision, advocacy, and commitment of everyone that attended and has worked behind the scenes to make this project a reality. We thank everyone who helped bring us to where we are today.

To view floor plans and more information regarding the project visit: www.wheatlandsparkandrec.com

Ground Breaking Celebration

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Ground Breaking Celebration
We’re Breaking Ground
on Good Health and Strong Families

Please join us for the official groundbreaking of the 
Aurora Family YMCA at Wheatlands

November 20, 3 pm
6100 S Kewaunee Way
Aurora, CO 80016
Come learn about the project, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate this good news
for the Aurora community

We look forward to being your YMCA!

About the YMCA of Metro Denver:

The YMCA of Metro Denver is one of the city’s leading non-profits, uniting people, families and seniors in programs and services that improve health, nurture children and uplift communities.

With multiple wellness centers throughout Southwest Denver, Downtown, University Hills, Arvada and Littleton, along with program centers at schools, community HOAs and partner sites, the Denver YMCA is embedded in communities, bringing health and well-being to all and creating places where people thrive and reach their fullest potential.

We serve more than 68,000 members, volunteers and program participants every year across the metro area. The Denver Y is also part of a nationwide network of 2,700 YMCA organizations.

For more than 140 years, we have been committed to helping our community be a better place for all by meeting some of our greatest needs. The YMCA is instrumental in:
• Improving education readiness and school achievement
• Strengthening and stabilizing families
• Reducing senior isolation
• Helping people understand, prevent and treat health issues
• Contributing to the health of our entire community

With a commitment to welcoming all, the Denver YMCA awards more than $1 million in financial aid every year for YMCA membership, programs and services.

Additional Q & A

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Thank you to all the residents who attended our board meeting on Thursday. We appreciate your attendance and at any time feel free to reach out to us.

We compiled all the questions that were asked and below are the answers:

Wheatland Park and Recreation Center Q and A

When will the recreation center be built?

Groundbreaking will happen before the end of the year and we are scheduled to open in 2021.  

What is the financial contribution from the Wheatlands Metro District? 

The Wheatlands Metro District has negotiated that $35 per household will go towards a family membership for each house and townhouse in Wheatlands.  Of that $35, $30 will be used for facility operations and $5 for operational reserve. The Intergovernmental Agreement establishing this contribution can be found on the WPRA website.  Currently we are projecting non-Wheatlands residents will pay $88 for a family membership.  

Does the Wheatlands Park and Recreation Authority or the YMCA have the ability to raise our Metro District fees or taxes?

No, they do not have the authority or ability to raise fees or taxes.  All decisions regarding the fees and taxes are made by the Wheatlands Metro District.

Does the Wheatlands Metro District board have authority to make decisions regarding the Recreation Center? 

The Wheatlands Metropolitan District does not have authority to make decisions regarding the recreation center.  This responsibility belongs to the Wheatlands Park and Recreation Authority.

What is the relationship between the Wheatlands Metro District and the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority?

The Authority Establishment Agreement was entered into on January 19, 2017 for purposes of creating the Wheatlands Park and Recreation Authority.  This Agreement established the Authority as a separate legal entity and can be found on www.wheatlandsparkandrec.com 

Who are the board members on the Wheatlands Park and Recreation Authority?  

Kathy Barela and Polly Martin are currently serving on the Wheatlands Park and Recreation Authority board.

Is the Market Research Study that was completed available to the public? 

Yes, they are posted online at the www.wheatlandsparkandrec.com.   The most recent was completed in October 2018 and takes into account the Aurora recreational facility proposed to the north of Wheatlands. 

How will Phase 2 be paid for? Anticipated timeline?

We do not currently have a set timeline for phase 2 and would require additional funding.  Phase 2 could be paid for through fundraising and grants as well as other revenue sources that may come available to the Wheatlands Park and Recreation Authority.  

Will Phase 1 have family friendly programs/options?

Yes, the recreation center is built for families.  It will include several amenities with programming geared towards children and adults.  There are two fitness studios that can be used for various fitness programs. A few examples of activities that could take place in the fitness studio would be a spinning studio, kids’ classes, Zumba and Pilates.  The center will include cross functional training and the basics of cardio and strength machines. The center will have a community kitchen for nutrition and other programs. It will also include a child watch center.  Furthermore, it will have a 6 lane lap pool that can be used for both recreation swimming and lap swimming. View the floor plans here at www.wheatlandsparkandrec.com   

Will the grounds around the Rec Center have any walking paths/outdoor track type area, landscaping, sitting areas for folks to enjoy? 

There is not an outdoor path or track area planned at this time.  The front of the building will be landscaped as well as the back. There is an outdoor splash pad planned in phase 2.

Can residents take part in decisions?

The building design has been approved, however as construction begins we welcome residents to attend the Wheatlands Park and Rec authority meetings to discuss the project.   

Previous Q and A Below:

Who owns the land and the building?

The Wheatlands Metro District established a separate legal entity called the Wheatlands Park and Recreation Authority. The Wheatlands Metro District sold the property to the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority, and the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority will finance, construct, own and operate the recreation center. This allows the Metro District to not have the facility debt on its balance sheet and also gives the liability of the facility over to the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority.

Who is on the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority Board?

The Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority Board has three members. A majority of the board members are Wheatlands residents.  These board members are acting in the best interest of our community and their goal is to represent us and lead the project.

How can we afford the center?

$45 of the $65 a month that you currently pay goes towards park and recreation. This money combined with transfers from the general fund was used to construct the new Community Park and complete other recreation projects in the past. With the park nearing completion, the District board has negotiated to have $35 per month go towards the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority to allow every household family passes to the facility. The YMCA has contributed financially to the center, and the land also acts as collateral for the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority loan.  The YMCA will be turning over membership and program revenue to support the debt service.

Will my monthly fees go up?

The board has no plans to raise fees at this time and works hard to budget correctly to keep our monthly fees low. That being said, fees can always go up as expenses for the community continue to rise and as costs continue to increase.

What if we don’t think the YMCA is managing the facilities properly?

The YMCA has a vested interest in managing the property correctly. However if the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority believes the YMCA is not managing it according to the contract, they can terminate the contract and hire a different management company.

How is the revenue or profit used?

The revenue from the recreation center will go back to the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority to be used to pay down the loans for building the recreation center as well as fund the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the facility.  The Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority will pay a fixed 4% management fee and a contingent Incentive Fee to the YMCA to run the day to day operations of the recreation center.   

How will this facility be viable with the proposed Aurora rec center so close?  

As part of the loan process, market research on the area was completed by an independent third party. The report concluded that the market is large enough to support both projects. The bank is also fully aware of the Aurora Rec Center project and moved ahead with the financing.

Why was this project started in the first place? 

The community has been in favor of it and had expressed the need for additional recreation facilities and amenities for our residents.  

Will the YMCA continue to manage the clubhouse and pool?  

The contract with the Wheatlands Metro District is independent of the contract with the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority. At this time, the Wheatlands Metro District Board has no plans to hire a different property management company.

Will the YMCA Day Camps continue up at the Wheatlands Clubhouse?

Once the new facility is built the camps will transition to the recreation center.  

What is the cost to build the recreation center? 

The first phase of the facility will cost $21 million.

Is there any proactive plan for dealing with extra traffic?

Traffic studies were required as part of the approval process with the City of Aurora. At this time, there is not enough traffic to put in a traffic light or cross walk. The Wheatlands Metro District plans on continuing discussions with the City after the recreation center is open to evaluate traffic to see if the minimum traffic counts are met to install a crosswalk or light.

Recreation Center and Community Park Update

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Wheatlands Recreation Center Update

You may have noticed the trailers on site last week and we are pleased to announce that financing has been secured for the Wheatlands Recreation Center. This project has been years in the making beginning with the purchase of the property and a zoning code change to allow nonprofit recreation facilities as a permitted use for this site. Then by creating a separate authority, a contract with the bank was negotiated for a loan to create a beautiful facility for our residents. We appreciate everyone who came to public input meetings in the past and attended the most recent open house. The District wants to be very transparent with the project and communication. We look forward to continuing to update the community on the project progress. Please come to any of our board meetings to discuss it. They are open to everyone and we are here to represent and serve you.

FAQ

Who owns the land and the building?
The Wheatlands Metro District established a separate legal entity called the Wheatlands Park and Recreation Authority. The Wheatlands Metro District sold the property to the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority, and the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority will finance, construct, own and operate the recreation center. This allows the Metro District to not have the facility debt on its balance sheet and also gives the liability of the facility over to the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority.

Who is on the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority Board?
The Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority Board has three members. A majority of the board members are Wheatlands residents.  These board members are acting in the best interest of our community and their goal is to represent us and lead the project.

How can we afford the center?
$45 of the $65 a month that you currently pay goes towards park and recreation. This money combined with transfers from the general fund was used to construct the new Community Park and complete other recreation projects in the past. With the park nearing completion, the District board has negotiated to have $35 per month go towards the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority to allow every household family passes to the facility. The YMCA has contributed financially to the center, and the land also acts as collateral for the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority loan.  

Will my monthly fees go up?
The board has no plans to raise fees at this time and works hard to budget correctly to keep our monthly fees low. That being said, fees can always go up as expenses for the community continue to rise and as costs continue to increase.

What if we don’t think the YMCA is managing the facilities properly?
The YMCA has a vested interest in managing the property correctly. However if the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority believes the YMCA is not managing it according to the contract, they can terminate the contract and hire a different management company.

How is the revenue or profit used?
The revenue from the recreation center will go back to the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority to be used to pay down the loans for building the recreation center as well as fund the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the facility.  The Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority will pay a fixed 4% management fee and a contingent Incentive Fee to the YMCA to run the day to day operations of the recreation center.   

How will this facility be viable with the proposed Aurora rec center so close?  
As part of the loan process, market research on the area was completed by an independent third party. The report concluded that the market is large enough to support both projects. The bank is also fully aware of the Aurora Rec Center project and moved ahead with the financing.

Why was this project started in the first place? 
The community has been in favor of it and had expressed the need for additional recreation facilities and amenities for our residents.  

Will the YMCA continue to manage the clubhouse and pool?  
The contract with the Wheatlands Metro District is independent of the contract with the Wheatlands Park and Rec Authority. At this time, the Wheatlands Metro District Board has no plans to hire a different property management company.

Will the YMCA Day Camps continue up at the Wheatlands Clubhouse?
Once the new facility is built the camps will transition to the recreation center.  

What is the cost to build the recreation center? 
The first phase of the facility will cost $21 million.

Is there any proactive plan for dealing with extra traffic?
Traffic studies were required as part of the approval process with the City of Aurora. At this time, there is not enough traffic to put in a traffic light or cross walk. The Wheatlands Metro District plans on continuing discussions with the City after the recreation center is open to evaluate traffic to see if the minimum traffic counts are met to install a crosswalk or light.

If you have any questions at any time you can always email the [email protected].  
Community Park Update





The Community Park is scheduled to open next month! We plan on having a Fall Party there to celebrate.  We can’t wait for this amazing new space to open. The new park pavilion will provide a gathering space for our community. The climbing wall and park theme are unique to the area and will bring so many smiles to kids in our community. Below are a few highlights that have been completed since August:

● The rubberized surfacing has been installed.
● The railing has also been installed.
● Both of the play features are being installed in the lower play pit.
● Once the play equipment has been installed, Goodland will place the rock
and the engineered wood fiber surfacing.
● The masonry for the shelter columns/walls and the park sign has been completed.
● The flat-work has been completed.
● The shelter is being built and installed
● The swing structure and topsy-turvy have been installed.
● The trees have arrived onsite and were reviewed and approved. In
● In areas that are ready, trees have been installed.

Thank you to the community for all your support of the park project.

YMCA Recreation Center

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YMCA Recreation Center Update August 2018

The Wheatlands Metropolitan District formed a separate authority (in which the Wheatlands board members are the majority) to finance the project. That authority is working hard to make the recreation center a reality. The Wheatlands residents will all receive access to the Recreation center for free as part of your existing $65 monthly fee. The authority is completing the due diligence process with the bank. As part of that process they have hired an architect and general contractor. If all goes as planned we would be looking to break ground in Spring next year and open in 2020.