- April 23, 2024
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Flagler Schools may have found a cure for the ailing Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club: a partnership with the Volusia Flagler YMCA, which is interested in running the property in partnership with the district.
The board discussed the possibility of such a union at a workshop March 3.
Adult Education Director Kevin McCarthy, who’d been tasked with finding a way to keep the facility running without hemorrhaging money — it’s expected to lose about $200,000 this year — told the board a YMCA partnership would be “an excellent opportunity for the citizens of Flagler County.”
Superintendent Jacob Oliva said the issue is still in an exploratory phase. “There’s a lot of details that we’ve got to iron out,” he said. “There’s some extensive capital dollars that need to be invested in the facility. … There is a lot to talk about, and a lot to deal with.”
The YMCA has operated in Flagler County before, out of the Palm Coast Community Center, and later, Florida Hospital Flagler. This time, it would lease the Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club, and possibly bring in another private partner as well. YMCA officials said they would like to have a solid proposal they can work with within this calendar year.
“We have been talking about a presence here in Flagler County for quite some time,” YMCA Volusia Flagler Board Chairman John Meneough said. “I think this gives us an opportunity that can be a win-win for the Y as well as for the residents of Flagler County.”
The board gave McCarthy clearance to move forward and work on a proposal that can be brought up for discussion and a vote at a future meeting.
