Koch gives to YMCA Phase IV

By Cindy Allen

Managing Editor



A local industry has donated $25,000 to the new Phase IV building plan for Denny Price Family YMCA in Enid.

Koch Nitrogen, which has a facility in Enid, made the announcement of the donation Friday. Koch Industries is headquartered in Wichita, Kan.

The Koch gift will help fund the creation of a teen interactive fitness center at the YMCA, said Ken Rapp, executive director.

“We are very appreciative of Koch Nitrogen’s generous contribution,” said Rapp. “Koch Nitrogen is committed to the support of youth and teens and is to be commended for backing up that commitment by financially supporting youth projects here in Enid and in many other cities.”

Susan Addington, director of community affairs for Koch Industries, said Koch is impressed with the level of community support the YMCA receives.

“The opportunity to impact the teen center caught our attention,” she said. “Koch is interested in doing teen programs that offer opportunities for kids and for families.”

The Koch Nitrogen gift helps the YMCA exceed its community goal of raising $1.05 million and move closer to its final goal of $1.75 million for the project.

The YMCA renovation and expansion is scheduled to be completed by December 2008. The new construction will increase the cardio area and the nursery facility. Administrative areas also will be renovated and expanded.

The facility’s teen center is slated to be open in 2009. It will offer a variety of high-tech, interactive fitness options, including exercise bikes with video screens that power on when the bike is pedaled, video dance activities and sports wall that uses ball games and more.

“Our company is pleased to contribute to this great project on behalf of young people in our community,” said Roger Morris, plant manager at Enid’s Koch Nitrogen. “The teen center will promote fun and fitness while offering a safe place to meet and gather.”