By GAGE WILSON
for Glasgow News 1
The Barren County YMCA’s “Senior Wing” is headed for bid again, marking the third attempt to move the project forward.
The 3,000-square-foot addition, aimed at serving the facility’s senior members, was first announced in June 2024 when Governor Andy Beshear awarded the YMCA a $750,000 Community Block Development grant.
Since that announcement, the project has faced several setbacks. Groundbreaking was originally planned for this year, but work slowed last November and didn’t pick up until spring as government agencies finalized the funding.
“We did get confirmation the funds were approved and were secured,” said Barren County Family YMCA Chief Executive Officer Tara Bailey.
Bailey explained that the project has gone out to bid twice, with inflated construction costs further stalling progress.
“Since this is a federal grant, with DBA wages, that automatically inflates any construction,” she said. “So, the bids that we got were 20 percent over the $750,000.” Bailey added that, according to federal guidelines, bids over that threshold could not be accepted.
Another challenge came from the future building’s location near the facility’s main transformer.
“[The Electric Plant Board] needs access to that, with a sizable access road,” she explained. “The board voted…to partner with Larry Glass Construction, and they will oversee the dirt work on that.”
Leadership at the YMCA considered moving the wing’s location, but property and parking limitations were deemed too significant to justify the change.
“Working within the grant structure and modifying some things,” Bailey said, “the board wants this to happen just as much as our seniors do.”
Bailey said the project had already received private support, including a $75,000 donation in honor of the donor’s nephew, Paul Walker. She revealed that once the wing is constructed, Walker will be memorialized for the contribution.
“Thanks to that donation, that has helped us move forward,” she said.
Bailey also emphasized the need for a dedicated space for the community’s seniors. This need has been exacerbated by state budget shortfalls, which have led to cuts in senior enrichment and meal program funding across development districts in the Commonwealth. While not ideal, the more than 300 seniors who participate in the YMCA’s feeding program can still rely on a dependable meal. Bailey explained that this is a product of compromise, as the facility agreed to a reduced reimbursement for its services.
Despite the setbacks, Bailey said the board and her staff remain optimistic.
“Third time’s a charm,” she said. “Sometimes you’ve got to take one step back to take two forward.”
