Ste. Genevieve County and Gateway Region YMCA Announce Strategic Partnership to Operate All Recreational Facilities
The Ste. Genevieve County Commission is pleased to announce a partnership with the Gateway Region YMCA in operating the Ste. Genevieve County Community Center.
Starting today, the Y will begin the transition to full management of all aspects of the Community Center but will not assume operational responsibilities until November 1, 2025. The goal in the transition is to smoothly convert operations to Y specifications. The Y plans on retaining the existing Community Center employees as Y employees to help integrate the Y into the community more efficiently.
The Ste. Genevieve County Commission stresses that all of the property is retained by the county, with the Y fully managing all facility operations.
For almost a year, the commission has been working with the Y on contract negotiations that would mutually benefit the Y and Ste. Genevieve County in light of growing concerns about reductions in revenue to the county. These efforts culminated in a contract signing on July 7 at the commission room in the courthouse, with the agreement set for 5 years.
At the finish of the transition, the Y will be responsible for the majority of the operating expenses with the exception of major maintenance issues to the buildings. The county will still be responsible for the bond payments and will still provide some funding that will be discussed at a later date.
The Y will operate the facilities in a much more streamlined and economical way with their extensive expertise, greater staff capabilities and cost effectiveness.
Beginning November 1, the facility will be renamed the “Ste. Genevieve County YMCA”. At that time, current Community Center members will automatically become members of the Y, giving them full access to all other 24 Y locations in Missouri and Illinois, and the many amenities and benefits that come with being a Y member in the region. The Y facility in closest proximity to Ste. Genevieve is the Jefferson County YMCA. The Y also operates YMCA Trout Lodge Resort and the YMCA Camp Lakewood overnight camp in Potosi, Missouri.
The Gateway Region Y currently has similar partnerships with the City of Fenton in operating the RiverChase Y, and the City of St. Louis in operating the Carondelet Park Rec Complex and the O’Fallon Park Rec Complex.
A public meeting with the commission and Y staff will be held at the Progress Sports Complex on July 16 at 6 p.m.
The Ste. Genevieve County Commission is looking forward to this partnership with the Y in putting the Community Center on a better financial and operational basis.
Ste. Genevieve County Community Center & Gateway Region YMCA Transition Frequently Asked Questions
On July 9, 2025, Ste. Genevieve County and the Gateway Region YMCA announced the two organizations have reached a partnership agreement to allow the Y to assume operation of the Ste. Genevieve County Community Center effective November 1, 2025. The partnership was finalized by the Ste. Genevieve County Commission on Monday and sets the agreement for 5 years.
Discussions about the partnership first began in the summer of 2024 when Ste. Genevieve County Commissioners approached the Y about operating the Community Center. The two parties worked together to explore and evaluate the viability of sharing resources to improve services to families and individuals in the Ste. Genevieve Community. The partnership is beneficial for both parties, with the shared goals of improving the current membership experience, serving more people, and expanding access to health and wellness programs offered in the community.
Yes, beginning November 1, the facility will be renamed the “Ste. Genevieve County YMCA”.
There are no immediate changes to anyone with a membership at the Ste. Genevieve County Community Center. There is nothing members need to do at this time. Members will still receive all the great benefits of membership. Then, beginning November 1, members will get to enjoy all the great benefits of the Y.
The Y has been a leader in serving the community and providing health and wellness services for more than 180 years.
The County Commissioners believe partnering with the Y will allow the County to more fully unlock the potential of the Community Center to better serve the needs of this region. The Y is an expert in this space, and the County Commissioners know the Y will be able to serve more people and expand access to health and wellness programs offered in the community.
Beginning November 1, Ste. Genevieve County Community Center members will get all the benefits of a Y membership, including:
- 24 other Ys in MO and IL part of the Gateway Region YMCA, plus membership to most YMCAs nationwide.
- Access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities, including gyms, pools, tracks, and more.
- A wide range of group exercise classes led by experienced instructors.
- Participation in youth programs, including sports, swimming lessons, and after-school care, at discounted rates.
- Complimentary fitness or personal training consultation to help you get started.
- Personal training and nutrition programs to help you achieve your fitness goals.
- Opportunities to connect with your community and make new friends.
- And so much more!
There are no changes to any operations at this time. The Y won’t begin operation until November 1.
Yes. Beginning November 1, members of the Ste. Genevieve County Community Center will officially become members of the Y. That gives them access to 24 other Ys in MO and IL, part of the Gateway Region YMCA, plus membership to most YMCAs nationwide.
In the meantime, members of the SGCCC are welcome to visit any of the other facilities in the Gateway Region YMCA. If you go to any branch of the Gateway Region YMCA, they will issue you a guest pass.
There are no changes to any operations at this time. The Y won’t begin operation until November 1. Eventually, once we transition to the Y, you will have many more options for youth programming, child care, group exercise and much more.
The Y is a leader in group exercise, and is excited to build on the current schedule and formats in order to offer fitness programming that incorporates; water, strength, cardio, mind/body, martial arts, stretching and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) types of classes.
Yes, and the Y plans to expand offerings based on demand after November 1. That will be communicated to members in the future.
About the Gateway Region YMCA
The Gateway Region YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Serving more than 200,000 members and program participants, the Y offers 24 health and wellness branches, operates in close to 100 community sites, and includes YMCA Camp Lakewood and Trout Lodge in Potosi, Missouri, and the student leadership facility at Campus Y at WashU. The Gateway Region YMCA provides $2.4 million in financial assistance annually to those who otherwise could not afford its services. The organization also employs more than 4,400 full-time and part-time individuals and engages more than 2,800 volunteers annually. The Y is a proud member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. For more information, please visit www.gwrymca.org or call 314-436-1177.