Page 53 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 52 Winter 2025

• 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 communi-
ty centers, while being fiscally responsible ensuring sustain- art, multi purpose aquatics venue for all ages, ensuring fami-
able YMCA operations. Our West Side Aquatics Facility plans lies, adults and seniors have year-round, affordable access to
include; a multi purpose pool that will feature six lap lanes, aquatics - offering family time, lessons, water therapy and lap
zero entry access, exercise channel/lazy river and water play swim for exercise.
and splash features, Universal/Family Locker room, Adventure
Zone, Yoga Studio, new lobby and much more. 5. The Y is the largest provider of youth employment in our

OUR CASE FOR SUPPORT community. An increase in programming and amenities will
allow us to employ more people, including more teens. Our
1. The YMCA is open to every resident. Our diverse programs teen employment provides a foundation of leadership skills,
and services benefit all ages, all backgrounds, and all abili- responsibility, character-building, money management, and
ties. Our financial assistance program ensures no one is EVER teamwork. Beyond just a paycheck, we are committed to pro-
turned away due to financial reasons. EVERYONE is welcome viding early life experiences that will carry them into adult-
at the Y. hood.

2. By forging strategic partnerships, the impact on the com- OUR RESULTS
munity is amplified. The Y has a proven history of working Our pools inspire our members to achieve their goals, wheth-
with strategic partners to ensure- collectively and efficiently er it is a competitive athlete, first time swimmer, or member
- they are providing the most impact to the community. As a of our special needs community. Our pools provide the op-
local leader in swim lessons, swim safety, and aquatics man- portunity to strengthen the body while building character.
agement, the Y is uniquely positioned to provide crucial sup- Our pools are a place where the community comes together
port and expertise to other local pools. to pursue ambitions. Our pools change the lives of everyone
who JUST ADD’s WATER!
3. A strong Y is good for the economy. “Quality of Place” ini-
tiatives, like the Y, improve both the quality of life and eco- OUR ASK
nomic/workforce development opportunities for a communi- Help us JUST ADD WATER and bring a year round, state of the
ty. Research demonstrates that community centers, like the art aquatic center to the Greater Wallingford Community! For
Y, that are anchors, fostering broader and more creative inter- more information or to make a donation, please visit the Wall-
action among a variety of people - play a vital role as “social ingford Family YMCA JUST ADD WATER website www.walling-
equalizers”. In a time where loneliness and social isolation is fordymca.org/just-add-water To help connect us to other in-
impacting the mental health of all ages, a place like the Y is dividuals or businesses that might be interested in supporting
critical to the wellbeing of a community. our efforts please contact Sean Doherty, Executive Director at
sdoherty@wallingfordymca.org. THANK YOU!
4. A new pool will provide year-round aquatics and water
safety to residents. The Y will make available a state of the

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