PYRMAS POOL
Dear YMCA Member:
We’d like to begin by thanking you for your support and patience over the past few weeks.
What Happened?
On May 13, the Prymas Pool had a critical failure that resulted in the need to investigate possible options for repair. Our pool experts and two independent engineers have helped us evaluate all scenarios and solutions that could help us get this 40 year old pool working again.
What Our Pool Needs
The YMCA facilities staff and numerous donors over the years have been able to extend the useful life of our Prymas Pool from 20 years to 40 years, but the underlying structure and systems are significantly compromised. The repairs would require significant manual excavation and custom manufacturing of critical parts, as well as a comprehensive investigation into the buried sub-structure. Given the numerous unknown factors, each repair solution is approximately $200,000, but would not address the overall unstable condition of the underlying pool.
Our Decision
After reviewing our findings from the pool inspection and testing, the YMCA Board of Directors has decided that the most responsible option is to close the Prymas Pool while we conduct a comprehensive capital improvement plan, prior to embarking on the necessary community fundraising. The Board of Directors has voted unanimously to move forward with its plan to explore a capital project to celebrate our 100th Anniversary in 2017 and ensure we meet community needs for the next 100 years. This plan will address our facility needs, such as a new wellness center and locker rooms, as well as many other infrastructure issues.
Next Steps
It’s time to re-imagine our YMCA! While the Board of Directors and staff begin the journey to conduct a capital improvement project, here’s what you can expect from us.
- We are currently pursuing options to immediately create a corridor between the lobby and the Lee Pool so you can have access to the Family Changing Room and Lee Pool.
- Ongoing staff support. In addition to our menu of aquatic activities, we have a wide range of excellent group exercise classes, with motivating instructors and wonderful members. Please let us help you meet your goals.
- We are working hard to schedule the pool based on real-time feedback from members and instructors and provide an exceptional experience for all.
- We will provide you with regular updates on the improvement plan for the building. It’s going to be an exciting process!
How you can help!
Please consider making the YMCA your charity of choice over the next several years as we build our capacity for a capital improvement project. Our charitable work continues to grow and we need your support to move forward!
Would you like more information?
We are very optimistic about our path forward and recognize that you may have questions regarding the transition, including how we assessed the pool renovation to the pool temperatures. We will be holding member meetings on Wednesday, June 3, at 5:00 am, 7:00 am, 11:00 am, and Wednesday, June 10 at 6:00 pm. We will communicate our progress regularly going forward, but I want to make sure that we can meet as soon as possible to share accurate information.
Thank you for being a loyal YMCA member, and we look forward to our work together as we head into our 100 year anniversary in 2017.
Sincerely,
Chris Pallatto,Executive Director
Lenny Goldberg, President, YMCA Board of Directors