Washington YMCA adding indoor aquatic center, phase two of new facility construction

The Washington YMCA is constructing an indoor aquatic center, the second phase of its two-part construction that began in 2018, when the city broke ground for the new YMCA facility at 520 W. Fifth St. The estimated $8.7 million aquatic center will take the place of the former location at 121 E. Main St., which was constructed in 1924 and is still utilized by members of the YMCA’s swim team and public.

“It's been a very faithful provider of service for the community, so it'll be a little sad to retire that pool next year,” said YMCA CEO Amy Schulte. “But it's definitely provided more than its fair share of recreation memories and service to the community.” According to Ms. Schulte, the old facility was briefly on the market, but removed after no adequate offers were made, though she speculates they may relist this spring. According to the Washington County assessor, the building has an estimated worth of $960,000.

New center to feature competition pool, saunas

The new indoor aquatic center addition broke ground July 11 and will be 15,160 square feet and house a six lane, 25 yard competition pool and a smaller recreational pool of 1,700 square feet. Included in the addition is spectator seating for 150 people, a whirlpool that can comfortably accommodate 10-12 adults, an infrared sauna and regular sauna, a family restroom and office and laundry space for the staff.

Ms. Schulte said the YMCA would like to use the new aquatic center to collaborate with schools for PE and swim safety lessons, and open it up to physical therapists and their patients. Holiday-themed activities are also in the works. “I think there's going to be a lot of new ways that we can serve a variety of different people in the community,” she said. Since opening in 2020, the YMCA has seen record membership levels, partly thanks to the expanded youth recreation activities that it now offers, with some credit going to its partnership with the city of Washington. In 2021 the city opened the Wellness Park as part of an all-encompassing, recreational complex that includes the YMCA. Located just north of the new YMCA, the park contains four baseball and softball fields, two full-sized soccer fields, and a sand volleyball court.

Facility built in two phases

The dream for a new facility began in 2012, said Ms. Schulte, when a feasibility study was undertaken to replace the old YMCA. The city of Washington gifted the organization the land it currently inhabits. The plan was to build everything in one phase, but funding for the big project proved to be overwhelming.

“(It) was a pretty big lift for such a small community to do that round of fundraising all at one time,” said Ms. Schulte, so the project was compartmentalized in two phases – the main facility, and the indoor aquatic center. Donations have poured in from organizations like the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, which donated a $3 million grant for the aquatic center; the Wellmark Foundation, which gave $100,000; the Enhance Iowa Board, which donated a $500,000 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant; and past and present YMCA members. All in all, said Ms. Schulte, donations for the YMCA have poured in from 12 different states, with over 350 donors. The organization has a little over $.5 million left to raise before the project is considered fully-funded. “None of this happens just with one person or one idea. It’s evolved a lot over time,” said Ms. Schulte. “We've taken a lot of input, we've considered a lot of factors, and we've had a lot of great partners and donors. Being such a smaller community, and being able to bring this facility to reality based solely on donations and grant funds…I think it's a huge accomplishment and speaks a lot to what can be done if everyone pulls together.” The YMCA's new indoor aquatic center is scheduled to open in September 2024, and those interested in donating to the project can visit https://washingtony.org/donate/.