Latest Operational Updates
September 2023
Dear Blanchard Park Y Family,
We wanted to provide you with another update on the status of the Blanchard Park Y. As we have previously shared, Hurricane Ian left Blanchard Park severely flooded and filled our Y with two to three feet of water. In addition to having to remove all flooring, all of our cardio equipment was in ruins, and we had to remove all drywall up to 4 feet. Outside of the building, our pool likely took on the worst of the flood as all of the silt from the nearby river was deposited into the pool.
The multi-million dollar estimate to fully restore the facility and replace the equipment exceeds the flood insurance coverage, but the greatest challenge is the location. Located within a flood zone, any future presence requires that we make additional investments to ensure that similar damage will not reoccur.
As a community-supported nonprofit, the Y has continued to work diligently to seek alternative funding support through FEMA in conjunction with a number of other funding avenues. FEMA initially denied our request, but we have filed an appeal and are awaiting a decision. We are also in ongoing conversations with Orange County related to facility and programmatic options and will continue to offer Y youth sports at Blanchard Park this fall.
We are grateful for the outpouring of support and commitment from our Blanchard Park Y members. Many members have asked how they can help. Given the significantly high level of expense to repair the facility, along with the funding and facility site complexities, the best way to support the Y is to continue with your membership at nearby Y family centers to keep growing healthier.
We will continue to provide periodic updates on our progress. Thank you for your continued patience as we explore all options to arrive at a positive, long-term outcome.
Thank you for being a part of our Y family.
In service,
Debbie Metzger
Vice President of Operations
[email protected]
(407) 896-9220 x 1252
