The CLC YMCA in Damariscotta will begin phase one of their swimming pool expansion project in late September. The swimming pool project “will be done in three phases,” Executive Director Craig Wilson said. “The first phase is to rebuild the parking area, which will lay the groundwork for future expansion.”
The Y has raised a half million dollars out of the $1.2 million needed to build a four lane pool. “We’re making progress. We’re getting the word out and communicating with potential donors. It takes a lot of patience,” Wilson said.
“Since we’ve gone public we’ve had over 100 people make a donation, ranging in size from $15 to $10,000. A lot of people are waiting to see if it is going to happen. We’re going to do projects as we can, so we are 100 percent ready. The first two phases of the project will enable the construction phase of the pool go quicker.
“This summer we’re meeting at small social events. We’ve begun to attract potential donors. We’re communicating the need for a swimming pool in this area. We’re seeing a ripple effect from these social events. Other people are having an event to help solicit.
“I’m really optimistic after these events that donations down the road will come to the Y. I’m getting three to four donations a day still coming in. Donations of any size are welcome,” Wilson said.
“One important thing to note is we are very open to changes in the initial concept for the swimming pool. We’re getting great feedback on adding a therapy pool and expanding from four lanes to six. We’re willing to do that, but we’ll need to raise an additional half million dollars.
“One thing we really need is a title sponsor; someone to make a lead gift to bring this project to fruition. Our Y still remains the last Y in the State without a swimming pool,” Wilson said. “I am optimistic. Our goal is to begin construction at the end of next summer. We need to meet 80 percent of our fundraising goal to start construction.”
For now, the Y is plugging away, and “laying the groundwork for future donations.”
The Boothbay Y raised $9 million for their new pool project.
“If they can do it, we should be able to do it on this peninsula. The pool is the Y’s number one priority. We’ll get it done. It will be interesting to see where we are at the end of the summer,” Wilson said.
If anyone would like to help the Y raise funds for their swimming pool capital campaign, please contact Wilson at 563-YMCA. “If anyone wants to help, please step forward,” Wilson said.
Donations the CLC YMCA swimming pool campaign can be sent to the YMCA at PO Box 787, Damariscotta, 04543.
