Indianola took another step today toward its goal of building a community fitness center.

A planning committee for the city announced this morning that it has received a joint proposal from the YMCA of Greater Des Moines and Summercrest Hills Development Corp. to build 55,000-square-foot facility in the 160-acre Summercrest Hills development on the city’s northeast side. The proposal was the only response to a request for proposals issued by the committee in August.

“We are excited to have discussions with the development team on how we can turn their proposal into the best facility to promote health, economic growth and job opportunities for the greater Indianola area,” said Jay Byers, an Indianola resident who co-chairs the facility planning committee.

The city of Indianola would own the fitness center, which would be operated by the YMCA of Greater Des Moines, Under the proposal, the Y would furnish the facility at a cost estimated between $400,000 and $500,000, and pay ongoing annual operating costs from membership dues.

Tax increment financing generated from planned medical, professional, retail and other development within the subdivision would be used by the city to finance construction. A retirement center recently opened within the new development.

Byers said the planning committee and other public officials will evaluate and refine the proposal, with a recommendation to the city to be reached by Dec. 13.