Salvation Army marches into Suisun City

Salvation Army marches into Suisun City
By Ian Thompson | DAILY REPUBLIC | December 04, 2008

SUISUN CITY - Better programs tailored to the community and stronger financial support are at the core of what the Salvation Army plans to bring if it becomes the operator of the former YMCA facility on Wigeon Way.

'We will rejuvenate the swimming pool, give the center a thorough painting and brighten it up to make people want to be there,' said Capt. Fred Rasmussen, the Salvation Army's North Bay counties coordinator.

The Salvation Army wants to buy the building to offer youth, family and senior programs as well as centralize its administration for the Solano County Corps.

'The opportunity that exists in Suisun City does not come along very often,' Rasmussen said.

The 143-year-old international Christian charity organization is the City Council's choice to run the former North Bay YMCA facility. City officials and the Salvation Army are in the process of discussing the financial aspects of the Salvation Army's proposal.

The Salvation Army is also appraising the facility's value to see whether its plan is financially viable.

Repayment of a $2 million loan used 12 years ago to renovate the facility and build the swimming pool is part of that equation. Rasmussen said the Salvation Army may absorb the debt the city holds with the property.

'We are only interested in a purchasing arrangement,' Rasmussen said. 'It doesn't do anybody any good to be spending your money on rent.'

A sports marketing firm has been hired to determine what the center should offer 'so we can design programs that people want,' Rasmussen said.

Rasmussen expected some programs will be established quickly. Others will take time 'because we want to make the right decision for the community.'

'Part of our plan is to get it up and running, but also to ensure it stays a quality program with good equipment,' he said.

That includes establishing a business advisory committee and creating user groups from a cross-section of people who use the center.

'We are in it for the long haul,' Rasmussen said.

See the complete story at the Daily Republic online.