Letter From The CEO: August 2014

First off, thank you very much for your patience during our recent shutdown at the Mapleton Y. We have to do this annually at both Ys so we can focus on deep cleaning and maintenance on our wooden floors. We have to shut down the entire facility because the chemicals we use to refinish the floors—even though we use very low VOC content liquids— are still noxious and no one should work out until they clear up. These buildings get a lot of use, so deep cleaning is good for all of us.

Recently, I sent out a letter discussing rules changes for the pool. A member wrote to me and asked why we hadn't just changed them before the pool opened this summer. Between last summer and this summer, the rules had not changed dramatically; it was the interpretation of the existing rules that had changed. Once a member brought it to my attention, I focused on it and made changes. It shows how important your feedback is to us. Last time we counted, almost 84,000 people participated in some area of this Y’s programming or membership. We have 450 employees and approximately 1,200 volunteers, so it is impossible for me to know everything that is happening in all areas of our Y. I need your feedback—no matter how small or large the issue is.

Speaking of which, you likely receive surveys from the Y in different areas of programming all of the time. Last week, out of 700 kids that were in camp we only got back 23 surveys. Basically, this means that people were happy with what we are doing, but we want more. We want the critiques so we can constantly better our program offerings, staff trainings, policies and communications. If you love how our camp staff work with your children or our staff treat you, let us know. If you see areas of improvement, let us know.

So, when something is not right please let us know and please fill out the surveys. We pour over them and very much use them as templates for change.

I appreciate you being a part of the Y and helping us to fulfill our mission in the community. As always if you have a suggestion, please let me know [email protected].

Thank You, 
Chris Coker 
CEO/President of YMCA of Boulder Valley