Q&A Regarding D.R. Semmes Relocation

Q: Are you moving the Downtown/D.R. Semmes YMCA?

A:  Yes, We are moving the DRS YMCA to the TriPoint location which is 1.7 miles up the street located near Hwy 281 & St. Mary’s.

• Property owned by Trinity Baptist Church (TriPoint)
• 30,000 sq ft renovation

Q: When are you moving?

A:  We are projecting construction will be completed in Spring 2009.

Q:  What do the members have to do?

A:  Nothing, it’s still the Y and we will transfer all YMCA memberships to the new location.

Q:  What if I don’t want to go?

A:  You can cancel your Y membership at any time.  However, we think you will love our new facility! It will have all new state-of-the-art fitness equipment, first class locker rooms, Pilates and Spin Studios.

Q: Why would you make this change?

A: The decision to explore opportunities to provide upgraded facilities and services for the downtown location is a strategic move toward our Vision 2010 initiative to serve more people in the San Antonio community. A Task Force composed of YMCA Corporate Board members, D.R. Semmes Board Members, YMCA staff and Community Leaders conducted a study due to the following:

• Low membership numbers
• Facility issues
• Financial losses

Q:  Who made this decision?

A:  By recommendation of the Task Force, the YMCA of Greater San Antonio’s Association Board of Directors approved the “re-locate or close” proposal from the D.R. Semmes YMCA.

Q: Why has the Y stayed open so long if you are losing money?

A:  The D.R. Semmes YMCA is one of 9 branches of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.  It has stayed open because the other branches generated additional revenue so that it could stay open.  One of the reasons that the Task Force recommended this strategy change is because of the long term financial burden of the D.R. Semmes YMCA.

Q:  Can I view financial statements of the D.R. Semmes YMCA?

A: We have provided the past 10 years financial results of the D.R. Semmes YMCA.

Q: What is the average membership for downtown YMCAs Nationwide?

A:  Successful Downtown YMCA’s that have been researched show 2600 or more member units – this is 7800 individuals.

Q: What is the membership at the D.R. Semmes YMCA?

A:  The D.R. Semmes YMCA has 1150 units. 

Q: Can members do anything to save the DR Semmes YMCA?

A: Moving the D.R. Semmes YMCA to the proposed location will serve more individuals with a more economic and service based model.  This strategy fits perfectly with our Association’s Vision 2010 Strategic Plan.  Based on the recommendation from our Corporate Board the current location will be moved.

Q: How will we be contacted?

A:  A letter will be sent out to our members and we will also have consistent update throughout the process.  You can call us or view our web site at any time at www.ymcasatx.org.  We will also be sending e-news letters out periodically (you can sign up on the web site or at the front desk). 

Q:  Will we have all the same amenities in the new facility?

A:  Amenities in the new facility would include…

• New wellness and cardio equipment
• Spinning/Group Cycling Studio
• Pilates Studio
• Rock Wall
• Childwatch
• Y-Land
• Teen Center
• New Upgraded Locker Rooms
• FitLinxx

Due to the size of the facility and “renovation” project an indoor pool and full size gymnasium would not be included in the initial phase of the renovation. 

Q: What will the rates be?

A:  For your loyalty to the YMCA, current DRS YMCA members will stay the same for 2009. 

Q:  Why the same rates for fewer amenities (pool, gym, racquetball)

A:  All YMCA’s regardless of amenities have the same rates. Many of our facilities do not have a pool or gym (Ex: Boerne YMCA and Braundera YMCA).

Q: Do we have to pay for parking?

A:  No, parking will be free when we move to the Trinity location.

Q: Seems like you are adding Family components to the new facility… will this interfere with my personal wellness goals?

A: We have upgraded all D.R. Semmes YMCA members to City-Wide status. We encourage you to visit our other YMCA’s, in the San Antonio area, so you can see first hand the facilities and programs offered.  The YMCA has proven that adults and children can co-exist in our facilities and quality programming is offered to all members.

Q: Will we have Towel, Laundry service, Jacuzzi and Sauna

A: Towel service will be free to our Platinum Members and provided at a small monthly fee to all other members. Laundry service  and wet areas will not be provided.

Q: What will the locker rooms look like?

A: We will be upgrading our locker rooms to include wood lockers, amenities and shower heads. The usable square footage will be about the same and will be laid out     efficiently so as to meet the needs of our current and potential new members.

Q: Will we have the same Group Exercise instructors and Personal Trainers?

A: All current employees that want to remain will have that opportunity to transition over. However, we will be adding additional Certified Group Exercise Instructors and Personal Trainers.

Q: What is the YMCA getting from Trinity?

A: Through the Trinity partnership, the D.R. Semmes YMCA will receive 15 years of free rent for the 30,000 square foot facility.

Q: Do Trinity members get a discounted rate?

A: As a part of this collaboration, the Trinity Baptist Church will receive a discounted rate for membership.  Trinity Baptist Church members are encouraged to join the YMCA at their discounted rate when we open the new facility.

Q:  How will Trinity Baptist Church influence my membership?

A: The YMCA is a faith based organization that serves the community through membership and programs in spirit, mind, and body.  This Y will reflect our current YMCA’s standards on programming – Wellness Workshops, Mission Moments, Bible Studies, and other programs.

Q:  How can I join the D.R. Semmes YMCA at Tri-Point?

A:  The “Member Experience” trailer will be on location in February 2009.  We are happy to take your information and make sure you get on our data list for more information as we move forward.