The Mexico YMCA (The Y) is currently in talks with two different providers for an expanded physical therapy operation at the facility.

MU Health currently operates a physical therapy clinic at The Y and already has a foot in the door but Peak Sport and Spine has also approached the local organization about an agreement to provide services. Peak Sport and Spine has a relationship with Boone Health.

Mexico YMCA Director Brooke Oliver told board members in a meeting last week that she has been transparent with both organizations about the expansion. The Y is hoping to construct an additional 3,000 square feet of space for the project.

“We shared with (Peak Sport and Spine) that we are not in a contract with anyone and it would be good business for us to explore any viable partner,” Oliver said. “Both parties know the other party is involved.”

The talks started before The Y learned it would be the recipient of a $30,000 donation for the project. An energy company constructing a solar project in Audrain County donated the funds. Oliver told board members the donation would be earmarked for an expansion project.

Oliver said she met with both parties in November and more meetings are planned after the new year. Oliver said at this point MU Health has advanced the talks further and she’s waiting to see what they say.

“At this point should one of the parties step forward and say, ‘Hey we’re serious let’s do this thing,’ we would still give that same courtesy to the other party,” Oliver said. “The ball is kind of in Mizzou’s court.”

Oliver said she would like to see an agreement in place by this spring but also recognized it could take longer. Overall she would like to break ground on a project by this time next year.

“We’re not going to build anything until we have a 10-year agreement with a partner so we’re not left holding the bag,” Oliver said. “I would say we’re months away from that. We still have a road to travel.”

Although MU Health seems to have a leg up in the process there are some cons versus the pros that could make a deal with Peak Sport and Spine more favorable. Oliver said MU Health’s plans would take longer and potentially more expensive because they would want the process to have as little disruption to their current services.

“That just complicates it a little bit on how they construct the expansion versus if we went with a different partner that already doesn’t have a presence in this building,” Oliver said. “We won’t be tip-toeing around an existing business.”

Oliver said after conversations with both organizations it’s clear the YMCA board would also have other things to discuss. Oliver said Peak Sport and Spine’s ideas are, “vastly different than what Mizzou wants to see in a facility.”

Oliver said MU Health seems eager to get something going but there are other factors in that timetable. She said MU Health has told her they have a long waiting list for current services.

“I would say on the boots on the ground level they’re anxious,” Oliver said. “It’s really up in the air right now.”