While Battle Creek Unlimited has been working on creating the framework for a new downtown vision, the Battle Creek Family YMCA and Battle Creek Parks and Recreation have been working on a consolidation plan between their organizations.  The proposed plan would consolidate both operations at the current Full Blast site in downtown Battle Creek.  Although this move would require a significant amount of capital investment it would also lead to the modernization of the Family YMCA facility and reduce the immediate need to address the current YMCA's aging infrastructure.  The consolidation would lead to more eficient facility use and would align with the new vision for downtown Battle Creek.

As part of the new vision, JB Research Company recommended a state-of-the-art fitness center be incorporated.  The proposed consolidation lan would reinformce healthy lifestyles, create efficiencies, reduce costs, and help reduce unnecessary duplication.

Full Blast, owned by the City of Battle Creek, is centrally-located in downtown Battle Creek.  However, it continues to be underutilized and a financial drain on limited public resources.  The proposed plan would retain each organization's autonomy while improving and expanding programming, growing partnerships, and reducing operational expenses.  It is not expected to result in reduced personnel or services and is not expected to increase YMCA membership costs or costs to the general public who wish to access parks and recreation programming.

Additionally, the current YMCA location is not viewed as being walkable from the downtown. The Full Blast site offers easy access for downtown associates, students, residents, and visitors.

The current YMCA facility is located at the northeast gateway into the downtown.  Battle Creek Unlimited would desire an action plan whereby the facility is demolished or renovated for another use to avoid possible dilapidation at the northeast gateway.  Battle Creek Unlimited will work with the YMCA to identify potential uses for the building.

Battle Creek Unlimited supports the proposed consolidation plan but wishes to ensure that an appropriate evacuation of the YMCA facility be implemented.