FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 6, 2008

CONTACTS:

Todd Schmidt, City Administrator
(608)868-6900 (ext. 4)

Dr. Tom Den Boer, YMCA Executive Director
(608)754-6654

CITY OF MILTON AND YMCA OF NORTHERN ROCK COUNTY AGREE ON LAND SALE

The City of Milton and YMCA of Northern Rock County are pleased to announce that agreement has been reached on the sale of 5-acres of City land within Crossridge Park to the YMCA for the purpose of constructing a full-service YMCA facility. Terms of the sale are detailed in a letter of intent between the City and the YMCA. A copy o this letter is available by clicking here.

Early in 2007 the City and YMCA began discussions regarding cooperative efforts to develop the park. Crossridge Park includes about 40-acres located on the south side of Milton between Parkview Drive and Hwy. 26. The park has been planned for development by the City since the early 1990s, however lack of funding has left most of the park undeveloped. A small path, playground and prairie currently exist on a portion of the park, while most of the land is leased to a local farmer for crops.

The latest plan, which was unveiled in October of 2007, includes a new YMCA facility, which would conceptually involve a phased build-out of the facility to potentially include a comprehensive indoor aquatic center and other typical YMCA amenities. Also proposed are outdoor facilities for sporting activities, along with an "extreme" playground. Preliminary plans depict recreation trails surrounding the entire site and provide for more than 1.5 miles of paved trail. The concept plan is available for viewing on the City website - click here.

City of Milton Mayor Nathan Bruce is excited about this cooperative opportunity. “What has been achieved between the City and the YMCA has the opportunity to create lasting positive impacts on Milton and the surrounding communities,” said Mayor Bruce. “I am excited about this project because our citizens and visitors will be able to enjoy the many services and programs that the YMCA offers, while at the same time enjoying traditional features of a City park. Once complete, this cooperative park development will be a benefit to many for years and years to come.”

YMCA Board President Dave Riemer agrees, and looks at recent successes in Milton as a sign of good things to come. “The YMCA has built a wonderful relationship with the Milton community, including our involvement with the youth ball programs and the operation of our store-front fitness facility. Based on our positive experiences in working with City officials and members of the community, I expect this project to be extremely successful. The YMCA looks forward to expanding its presence and fulfilling its mission to serve children, families and individuals across northern Rock County.”

With this acquisition completed, the YMCA will now focus its efforts to solicit funding and support for the project. Any questions may be directed to City Administrator Todd Schmidt at (608)868-6900 (ext. 4) or YMCA Executive Director Tom DenBoer at (608)754-6654.