Social media has been aflutter lately over the YMCA facility being proposed for our fair city so it seems like a good topic to weigh in on this campaign blog. Let me go on the record saying I’m completely in favor of what I’m hearing for a couple reasons:
We absolutely need this. Look at the demographics of greater Harrison and the numbers are pretty clear. There are few other options unless you’re willing to drive to public facilities or private clubs in Lawrenceburg, Colerain or Westwood. When we moved to Harrison we spent tons of time at the pool-only facility on Campbell Rd. before it closed. We made lots of great friends, an opportunity other families in this community should have as well.
The model works. Not too long ago there was some legwork done on creating a city-owned pool facility. The presentations were nice but the numbers always felt shaky. This current attempt at creating a Harrison YMCA puts all the right players in the game, all working within their strengths. The YMCA as experts in building and running these facilities. Lifespring Church with a phenomenal desire to build community. Our city government working to facilitate things. This current endeavor has the best chance of anything I’ve seen in my 17 years as a Harrison-ian,
It’s a sign of a healthy community. Harrison is in the middle of a renaissance. The recreation commission and The District seem to have the midas touch with the events they put on. I see awesome things happening in the downtown district, in residential neighborhoods and even in our business community. It only makes sense to have a YMCA as another focal point for our community.
There are plenty of questions still to be answered, not the least of which is how will Carolina Trace Rd handle the additional traffic. Still Stacie and I have talked about it and when the time comes you’ll see us signing up as charter members of the Harrison YMCA.
Joe Combs Thoughts on Harrison, Ohio 