The YMCA of Callaway County is continuing to work toward its goal of providing an indoor pool to the community.
Sara McDaniel, chief executive officer of the Y, said the group has been interested in building an indoor pool for several years.
In 2017, the Callaway County YMCA began its capital campaign to raise funds for a building expansion and pool.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced them to put a stop on the campaign.
The Y raised enough funds for the building expansion, which was completed during the pandemic.
McDaniel said this expansion almost doubled the size of the Y, as it added a fitness center and a multi-gym.
"So we still have that goal to build a pool," McDaniel said. "We want it to be an indoor pool, just to allow year-round access for members of our community."
She wasn't able to give an estimated timeline to when the pool would be completed, as she said it all depends on the fundraising efforts.
The estimated cost to construct an indoor pool continues to increase, McDaniel added.
"I hate to say it, but we're quite a ways from our goal. But we are also in the process of writing some grants and applying for some foundation funding that will hopefully be awarded and help with funding of the pool also," McDaniel said.
The indoor pool is the main project the Y is focusing on for now.
"We feel like, as far as our building and the fitness opportunities, the pool is kind of next on our list," McDaniel said.
She added that surveys conducted in the community have indicated that an indoor aquatic space is considered a need by many.
Once the pool is built, the Y will continue to offer competitive swimming. The Y currently partners with the Missouri School for the Deaf to utilize their indoor pool from Sept.-March. The Callaway County YMCA competes in swimming competitions against other YMCA's across the state.
The Y will also offer swim lessons, lap swim, water aerobics, and physical therapy, McDaniel said.
The Y continues to host events to raise funds for the project.
The Y's pool campaign was recently selected to be the beneficiary of the upcoming Middle Creek Golf Tournament (3750 State Road F).
The tournament is on June 2 and 3. The tee time is 10:30 a.m.
It is $25 per person, with two person teams. Lunch will be provided.
To RSVP for the event, contact Bud Campbell at 573-220-1386 or bud.campbel[email protected]. Additionally, contact Cassie Goosey at 573-544-7499.
The Y also recently held a silent auction and dinner, with the proceeds going toward the pool campaign. Over 110 items were auctioned off at the event.