The partnership is a success and has become a model for a
number of other cities. Chris Ghione, Director of Community
Services for the City of Morgan Hill, notes that several
municipalities locally and across the nation have contacted
Morgan Hill for information on the partnership.
The agreement and subsequent Center Operating Plan lays
out a somewhat complicated plan for running this marvel-
ous facility. The CRC has designated City employees, as does
the YMCA. The “Y” has a budget and the City has a budget
but the CRC has a combined budget. Areas of the CRC are
primarily a City responsibility, specifically aquatics and teen
services. Other areas such as the fitness center and senior
activities are the responsibility of the YMCA. Some areas of
the CRC offer free services while other areas are fee based.
There are numerous areas of overlap governed by a strong
directive to cooperate.
“City and YMCA agree to cooperatively manage and
operate the CRC as a first class recreation center for
the benefit of the public.” (2006 Agreement)
In 2010 a report to the City council noted:
Teamwork Success
As the partnership was created it was clear that it would
work best if City staff and YMCA staff all felt equally
responsible for the outcomes and if the staff working at the
CRC saw themselves as one team This has been achieved
because both organizations seamlessly support each other
in delivering programs at the CRC The team works together
to make sure that the word we is always used and that no
teammate ever says to a member “that’s not my job.”
City and YMCA upper management work together in the
spirit of partnership striving to understand the two different
cultures and how best to find solutions that work in both
environments.
The public perception of the CRC is that it is a well-run
facility that does an excellent job of providing health and well-
ness services to the community of Morgan Hill. Enrollment in
the Center is currently around 15,000, which represents 20%
of the population of Morgan Hill. This is an extraordinary
penetration rate for health and recreation services.
Sin ce the original agreement, the Aquatics Center, on
Condit Road, has also been put under the direction of the
CRC. The City and the YMCA also share in an accountability
clause that gives 60% to the City and 40% to the YMCA of
any revenue or loss. Not surprisingly the CRC has realized a
profit on a regular basis. The current agreement is scheduled
to expire in 2016.
Membership at the CRC includes access to the Aquatics
Center, the CRC gym, pool, group exercise classes, the Kid’s
Club, the fitness center, Wellness Coaching and use of other
YMCA facilities in the County.
38
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
“The relationship between the Y and the City of Morgan Hill offers
true synergy in leveraging our different strengths and experiences
to benefit the community. Together, we’ve expanded health,
wellness and recreational opportunities, providing comprehensive
programs for people of all ages. Our strong team approach has
created a true sense of belonging for our CRC members.“
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
Mary Hoshiko Haughey, M.Ed., M.A.
Interim Executive Director – Mt. Madonna YMCA
gmhtoday.com