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The YMCA is excited to share with the Greater Wallingford Community it's Just Add Water Aquatics Center addition to the West Side YMCA. We are calling on local residents, businesses, and supporters to help bring this vision to life. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet a wide range of needs, from swim lessons, recreational and competitive swimming to therapeutic and family-friendly aquatic activities.

At the heart of the Just Add Water campaign is a commitment to making aquatic programs accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability. By reaching out for community support, the YMCA hopes to create a vibrant space where wellness, safety, and community connection flourish. With contributions from supporters, this new Aquatics Center can become a vital resource, promoting health, safety, and fun for years to come.

In a recent Community Needs Assessment & Membership Feasibility Study, participants were asked how interested they are first, in the project and if so, what amenities they would like to see from a list of 10 options. The forecasted impact is that this Aquatics Center addition will attract between 1,500-2,500 new members in the first 12 months. Of the factors tested, those amenities most likely to attract usage are:

Lap Swim
Zero depth entry
Lazy River/Exercise channel
Shallow depth for water exercise, therapy
Water park features, interactive water toys

OUR PLAN

Our goal is to create a modern, vibrant, gathering place for all, providing educational opportunities, childcare, youth development, wellness and chronic disease prevention for those who live & work in Wallingford and the surrounding communities. The phased construction and fundraising plans will allow us to retain, expand and renovate both community centers, while being fiscally responsible ensuring sustainable YMCA operations. Our West Side Aquatics Facility plans include; a multi purpose pool that will feature six lap lanes, zero entry access, exercise channel/lazy river and water play and splash features, Universal/Family Locker room, Adventure Zone, Yoga Studio, new lobby and much more.

OUR CASE FOR SUPPORT

The YMCA is open to every resident. Our diverse programs and services benefit all ages, all backgrounds, and all abilities. Our financial assistance program ensures no one is EVER turned away due to financial reasons. EVERYONE is welcome at the Y.
By forging strategic partnerships, the impact on the community is amplified. The Y has a proven history of working with strategic partners to ensure- collectively and efficiently - they are providing the most impact to the community. As a local leader in swim lessons, swim safety, and aquatics management, the Y is uniquely positioned to provide crucial support and expertise to other local pools.
A strong Y is good for the economy. “Quality of Place” initiatives, like the Y, improve both the quality of life and economic/workforce development opportunities for a community. Research demonstrates that community centers, like the Y, that are anchors, fostering broader and more creative interaction among a variety of people - play a vital role as “social equalizers”. In a time where loneliness and social isolation is impacting the mental health of all ages, a place like the Y is critical to the wellbeing of a community.
A new pool will provide year-round aquatics and water safety to residents. The Y will make available a state of the art, multi purpose aquatics venue for all ages, ensuring families, adults and seniors have year-round, affordable access to aquatics - offering family time, lessons, water therapy and lap swim for exercise.
The Y is the largest provider of youth employment in our community. An increase in programming and amenities will allow us to employ more people, including more teens. Our teen employment provides a foundation of leadership skills, responsibility, character-building, money management, and teamwork. Beyond just a paycheck, we are committed to providing early life experiences that will carry them into adulthood.

OUR VISION

Our pools inspire our members to achieve their goals, whether it is a competitive athlete, first time swimmer, or member of our special needs community. Our pools provide the opportunity to strengthen the body while building character. Our pools are a place where the community comes together to pursue ambitions. Our pools change the lives of everyone who Just Adds Water!

OUR ASK

Help us Just Add Water and bring a year round, state of the art aquatic center to the Greater Wallingford Community! For more information, please visit the Wallingford Family YMCA Just Add Water website at www.wfy-jaw.org To help connect us to other individuals or businesses that might be interested in supporting our efforts please contact Sean Doherty, Executive Director at sdoherty@wallingfordymca.org. THANK YOU!

Just Add Water

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