City of Saint Charles and Gateway Region YMCA Partner to Bring New Recreation Center to the Community
The City of Saint Charles and the Gateway Region YMCA have approved a landmark cooperative agreement that advances the development of a new Recreation Center as part of the City Centre Complex (C3) project. The partnership combines the City's investment in a new community facility with the YMCA's proven expertise in recreation, wellness, youth development, and community programming.
Located within a renovated historic structure just south of the new City Hall, the Recreation Center is expected to open in late 2027. The facility will preserve the character of the original building while creating a vibrant community destination featuring a fitness center, group exercise and wellness studios, flexible community rooms, and dedicated spaces for youth and families.
Designed for All Ages
The second floor will house the relocated Senior Center, which will be operated independently from the YMCA. Expanded amenities and programming, along with shared gathering spaces, will encourage connections between generations and strengthen the sense of community.
The project reflects extensive feedback from residents and community stakeholders, including recommendations from the Mayor's Recreation Center Task Force, which spent nearly a year helping shape the vision for the facility.
"This is more than a recreation center—it's an investment in the health and quality of life of our community," said Mayor Dan Borgmeyer. "Residents of all ages will have a place to stay active, learn new skills, and build relationships. By partnering with the YMCA, we're creating a destination that reflects what our residents told us they wanted and one that will serve Saint Charles for generations to come."
"Residents can expect the best of both worlds: a locally driven recreation center supported by the YMCA's longstanding expertise in delivering high-quality programs, wellness services, youth development initiatives, and inclusive community engagement," said Jared Beard, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Gateway Region YMCA. "Above all, Saint Charles residents can expect a trusted, mission-driven partner committed to listening, adapting, and serving the community."
How the Partnership Will Work
Under the agreement, the City will retain ownership and oversight of the facility, while the YMCA will manage day-to-day operations, staffing, programming, and membership services. Through the YMCA's regional network, residents who join will gain access to 25 other YMCA facilities in MO and IL, along with a broad range of offerings, including youth sports, wellness programs, senior activities, camps, childcare, and family recreation opportunities.
Community accessibility remains a priority. The YMCA has committed to maintaining competitive membership rates, offering discounted pricing for Saint Charles residents and City employees, and offering financial assistance for households in need as they do for all of their programs and services.
Together, the City of Saint Charles and the Gateway Region YMCA are creating a modern, sustainable model for public recreation. The new Recreation Center will serve as a welcoming gathering place where residents can stay active, connect with others, and enjoy programs and services that enhance everyday life for decades to come.
About the Gateway Region YMCA
The Gateway Region YMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
The association features 25 traditional branches in Missouri and Illinois, along with the Campus Y student leadership facility at Washington University and YMCA Camp Lakewood and Trout Lodge in Potosi, MO.
The Y also manages several specialized public-private partnerships: the Carondelet Park and O'Fallon Park Rec Complexes are owned by the City of St. Louis and operated by the Y; the RiverChase YMCA is owned by the city of Fenton and operated by the Y; and the Ste. Genevieve County YMCA is owned by the City of Ste. Genevieve and operated by the Y.
Committed to serving people of all abilities, the Y offers financial assistance to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their ability to pay. The Gateway Region YMCA is a proud member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis.
For more information, please visit gwrymca.org or call 314-436-1177.