05/11/2026
The future Waushara County YMCA continues to take shape, and we’re excited to share continued progress with our community and stakeholders!
Here’s what’s happening now, for a stronger tomorrow:
☑️Concrete has been poured on both the first and second floors, we officially have solid ground throughout the facility.
☑️Interior masonry in the main building is expected to wrap up by the end of the month.
☑️Interior framing is underway and projected to be completed by the second week of June.
☑️Exterior framing will finish next week as preparation begins for exterior wall panels.
☑️Badger Pools is scheduled to begin pool construction around May 26.
☑️Rooftop heating and cooling units are expected to be installed May 12–13.
☑️Mechanical and electrical rough-ins continue progressing throughout the building.
We’re also excited to share that recruitment for the Branch Executive Director position is officially underway, with additional leadership recruitment to follow in the coming weeks.
🔗Job posting links can be found below in the comments.
📸Additional construction progress photos will also be shared in the comments below.
We also want to recognize and thank the many community partners, donors, organizations, and funding leaders helping make this transformational project possible.
💙$4.25 Million Grant: Community Facilities Partnership grant supported through Governor Tony Evers, the Wisconsin Department of Administration Division of Energy, Housing and Community Resources (DEHCR), and funding assistance provided in part through the U.S. Department of Treasury.
💙$300,000 Grant: from the Otto Bremer Foundation.
💙$50,000 Grant: from Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin.
💙$500,000 Contribution: from the City of Wautoma.
💙Waushara County’s land donation and demolition support representing an investment value exceeding $500,000.
💙Significant philanthropic contributions and leadership led by the DeMars family.
💙Donations from local businesses and families right here in our community.
💙Countless hours of dedication from volunteers whose passion for the community inspired action and lasting impact.
In addition, the project leveraged New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) financing through partnerships with Forward Community Investments (FCI), Bremer CDE, a division of Old National Bank, and Old National Bank as the tax credit investor, helping bring significant private investment and economic development financing into the future Waushara County YMCA project, including an estimated net capital investment benefit of more than $3 million into the project and community.
The New Markets Tax Credit program is a federal economic development initiative designed to encourage investment in rural and underserved communities by helping fund projects that create long-term community impact. Through this program, critical financing was secured to support childcare expansion, wellness opportunities, food access, job creation, and long-term economic development throughout Waushara County, all WITHOUT increasing local donor taxes.
Together, these partnerships represent far more than funding, they represent a shared investment in the health, wellness, youth development, and future of our entire community.
Most importantly, the project remains on track for completion at the end of September. With a grand opening scheduled in October! 🎉
🚧👷While construction progress is exciting to watch, especially for our littlest community members, we kindly ask everyone to remember that the fencing surrounding the construction site is there for safety. Please help us keep everyone safe by remaining on the sidewalks or behind designated barriers while viewing the progress.
Thank you to our partners, supporters, donors, and community members helping bring this vision to life. Every week brings us one step closer to opening the doors to a space built for health, connection, youth development, and community for generations to come.
