Friends of the Waushara Community YMCA

06/11/2026

SPLASH UPDATE!💦Today we’re sharing a look at the progress being made inside our future Aquatic Center as part of our Community YMCA! As you can see, excavation and reinforcement work are complete, and preparations are underway for the next phase of pool construction. While this update focuses specifically on the Aquatic Center, it is just one piece of the exciting progress taking place throughout the entire YMCA project.

🚧 A full facility construction update will be shared later this week.

🏊‍♀️ POOL QUESTIONS WE’VE HEARD⁉️

One of the most common questions we’ve received is why the pool doesn’t include additional lap lanes or space for a dedicated swim team.

The honest answer is simple: this project was designed to maximize the impact of every donor dollar, grant dollar, and community investment that made the Waushara Community YMCA possible.

The volunteer committee, board members, donors, community leaders, businesses, grant partners, and supporters who worked tirelessly on this project spent years balancing community needs, construction costs, long-term sustainability, and available funding. The result is a pool designed to serve the greatest number of people possible while remaining financially responsible and sustainable for our community.

The Aquatic Center will include:
✔️ Two 25-yard lap lanes
✔️ Open recreation and family swim space
✔️ Swim lessons and aquatic programming
✔️ Water fitness and exercise opportunities
✔️ A family-friendly mushroom water feature
✔️ Accessible aquatic opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities

At this time, a swim team will not be based out of the Waushara Community YMCA. However, YMCA members will have access to swim team opportunities through our YMCA association locations, including Stevens Point and Plover.

As our community grows and support continues, future enhancements and expanded programming opportunities will continue to be evaluated.

Most importantly, this facility would not exist without the generosity of local donors, businesses, grant partners, community organizations, volunteers, and countless residents who believed Waushara County deserved greater access to health, wellness, youth development, childcare, and recreation opportunities.

This project represents years of hard work, collaboration, and community investment, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped bring it to life.

📅 The project remains on track for completion at the end of September, with opening celebrations anticipated in October.

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.

05/04/2026

04/30/2026

Did you know Waushara County is home to over 60 lakes, along with a network of rivers and streams? It’s one of the reasons that makes our community so special, but it also makes water safety essential!Because water is part of everyday life here, having the skills to stay safe matters.

As everyone knows, an Aquatic Center is being built into our Y! It’s more than just a pool. It will be a place where individuals and families build confidence, learn life-saving skills, and enjoy the water safely together. From swim lessons and water safety education to future lifeguard opportunities, this space is built for all ages and abilities, including adaptive programming to ensure everyone is included.🥰

🙋‍♀️What are the specifics?
✔️ Two 25-yard lap lanes
✔️ Open space for lessons, classes, and recreation
✔️ A family-friendly mushroom water feature
✔️ A 4-foot max depth in the children’s area for safety and accessibility

We hear the desire for more, and that vision matters. This design was shaped by the donor dollars raised, focusing on safety, accessibility, and flexibility to serve the community today and grow into the future.

Built through strong community support and volunteer dedication, this is a meaningful step forward…and something we can all be proud of.

🙋‍♀️ Will there be a swim team?
➡️ Not at this location right now.
🏊‍♀️ However, YMCA memberships provide access to swim team programs at Stevens Point, and potentially Plover. As interest grows in Waushara County, expanded opportunities will continue to be explored.

This is just the beginning! And an exciting one.
A safer community.
Stronger families.
And more ways to enjoy the water with confidence.

Celebrate what’s ahead with us!

04/23/2026

Thank you Tommy Bohler and City of Wautoma! More of these community talks in the future!

04/21/2026

Hey Friends, ICYM here’s some info for tomorrow at the Senior Center, with guest speaker Tommy Bohler, Board Member and City of Wautoma!

04/10/2026

⭐️Updates And Your Questions Answered⭐️
📍209 S. Saint Marie Street, Wautoma, WI (more pics in comments)

🙋‍♂️When will it open?➡️End of September 2026 (pool included!)📅

🙋‍♀️Who funded it?➡️100% funded locally by donors, businesses, grants and community partners.💙

🙋‍♂️Will my taxes increase?➡️No, the city tax levy was not increased in 2026, and the YMCA will not cause tax rates to rise moving forward.

In fact, the YMCA is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. By enhancing the community, it can help attract new residents, families, and visitors, supporting local businesses, increasing activity, and encouraging additional growth and development.

💙Over time, this kind of community investment helps strengthen the local economy, which can ultimately help keep tax rates stable while allowing the city to maintain and improve important services and amenities.

🙋‍♀️How many jobs will this bring? When will hiring start?➡️Around 60 jobs! We will start hiring leadership and directors end of April, and begin recruiting the full operational team late summer. Jobs and recruitment will be posted as time gets closer.

🙋‍♀️How does being part of one YMCA association impact Waushara, Stevens Point, and the new Plover location?➡️Being part of one association strengthens all three communities by allowing us to share leadership, staff expertise, systems, and resources; creating greater efficiency and long-term sustainability across every location.

This means:
✔️Access to programs, services, and amenities across Waushara, Stevens Point, and Plover with that one membership!
✔️Stronger staffing support and shared expertise across all facilities
✔️More efficient use of resources to help keep membership costs competitive
✔️Increased financial stability to support long-term growth
✔️The ability to expand programs and services faster as community needs evolve

💙While we operate as one YMCA, each location maintains its own local identity—ensuring every community is served in a way that reflects its unique needs, while benefiting from the strength of a larger network.

🙋‍♀️How much will a membership cost?➡️Membership rates for the Waushara Community YMCA will be announced in mid-summer 2026, as they are set to reflect services, programs, and long-term sustainability.

💙The YMCA is deeply committed to ensuring access for all. Through our financial assistance program, we work to make sure no individual or family is turned away due to an inability to pay.

✔️Membership rates can be adjusted based on financial need
✔️Assistance is available for programs and services
✔️Every effort is made to ensure equitable access for the entire community

At the Y, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to be healthy, connected, and supported, regardless of their financial situation.

🙋‍♂️What are the hours?Will there be 24/7 access?➡️Program times will vary and will be scheduled late summer. But, your key fob will give you 24/7 access to the gym & wellness area. The pool will not be 24/7.

🙋‍♀️When can I join?➡️Membership signups will begin in July 2026. But you’re welcome to sign up at the Stevens Point area YMCA to begin using amenities there now if you wish.

🙋‍♂️ What childcare options will be available? How many spots are there?➡️Your Y will offer both licensed childcare and drop-in care to support families.

✔️ Approximately 40–60 licensed childcare spots, depending on age and staffing ratios
✔️ Drop-in care available for parents while using YMCA amenities and programs
✔️ Flexible support for parents utilizing on-site services such as job searching or community resources

💙Designed to support working families, active parents, and those building a better future all in one place

🙋‍♀️Is there a childcare wait list? How do I get on it?➡️ 📧 [email protected]

🙋‍♂️Will programs start right away?➡️There will be a short onboarding period, programs will roll out as staff is hired.

🙋‍♀️Will programs be the same as Stevens Point?➡️Some programs will be similar, while others will be unique to Waushara. This YMCA was intentionally designed and developed to meet the specific needs of our local community. While not every program may be available right away, the needs have been identified, and we are committed to building and expanding offerings over time.

💙This is a growing effort, with the goal of creating a space that brings families together and supports the diverse needs of our entire community to the best of our ability.

🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️Will there be a pool? What will it include?➡️Yes! This pool was thoughtfully designed to make the most of the generous support from our donors. As our community grows, future enhancements will be driven by continued community support and investment. Right now you can find expect:

✔️ Two 25-yard lap lanes
✔️ Open space for swim lessons, classes, and recreational swim
✔️ A family-friendly mushroom water feature
✔️ 4-foot maximum depth in children’s area to ensure a safe, accessible, and adaptable environment for children, adults, and individuals with disabilities

🙋‍♀️Will there be a swim team?➡️At this time, there will not be a swim TEAM based out of the Waushara Community YMCA.

🏊‍♀️However, because memberships provide access across our association, individuals will have the opportunity to participate in swim team programs through the Stevens Point location—and potentially the Plover location as well.

💙We are actively exploring opportunities for shared programming and joint usage across all locations. As interest grows within the Waushara community, future options, including expanded access or participation pathways, will continue to be evaluated.

🙋‍♂️Will there be an indoor track?➡️Yes, an accessible 24/7.

🙋‍♀️Will there be a gym?➡️Yes!

🙋‍♂️Swim lessons? Aerobics lessons?➡️Yes!

🙋‍♂️Do Waushara donations stay local?➡️Absolutely, 100%, all funds designated for Waushara stay in Waushara!

🙋‍♀️Why did we build the Waushara Community YMCA?➡️Waushara County is a rural community where access to health, wellness, childcare, and youth programming has historically been limited. Families often have to travel outside the county to access services that support their well-being and quality of life.

This YMCA was built to bring those resources closer to home, to meet people where they are and remove barriers to access.

✔️A place for youth to grow, learn, and stay active
✔️Support for working families through childcare and programming
✔️Opportunities for healthier lifestyles and preventative wellness
✔️A central hub designed for our community—including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families of all backgrounds
✔️A space that fosters connection, belonging, and community engagement

🙋‍♀️Why Now?➡️The need is here💙A dedicated group of local citizens came together, advocated for our community needs, and helped bring this vision to life. Through the generosity of local donors, businesses, and community partners, along with a passionate volunteer team who invested countless hours into planning and development, this YMCA became possible.

💙This wasn’t simply built for the community, it was made possible by the heart, dedication, and generosity of the community itself.

🙋‍♀️How will the Waushara Community YMCA be sustained long-term?➡️The YMCA is designed to be sustainable through a combination of membership support, program participation, strong leadership, and ongoing fundraising efforts, all backed by the strength of being part of a larger YMCA association.

✔️Memberships and program fees help support daily operations
✔️Shared resources and systems with Stevens Point and Plover create efficiencies and reduce costs
✔️An experienced leadership team providing strategic direction and operational oversight
✔️ Ongoing grant funding, donor support, and community partnerships
✔️Careful planning to ensure long-term financial stability

💙Most importantly, sustainability is rooted in community use and support. The more the community engages, through memberships, programs, and involvement, the stronger and more sustainable the YMCA becomes for years to come.

Tell us Y you are READY?

04/08/2026

Stay-tuned for an exciting update!👏

04/08/2026

Great to welcome the Stevens Point YMCA Board and staff to downtown Wautoma for a tour of the new facility. This project will quickly become the heartbeat of our community.

Set for completion this September, the YMCA will bring approximately 50 jobs and deliver major amenities including childcare, an elevated track, gym, pool, telehealth services, and more.

Big things are happening in Wautoma.

04/03/2026

Construction is looking good in Waushara County!