Our pools inspire our members to achieve their goals, whether it is a competitive athlete, first time swimmer, or member of our special needs community.
Our pools provide the opportunity to strengthen the body while building character.
Our pools are a place where the community comes together to pursue ambitions.
Our pools change the lives of everyone who dives in.
Help us JUST ADD WATER and bring a state of the art aquatic center to Wallingford.
Frequently Asked Questions
The true goal of this project is to assure that all children, adults and families who live and work in Wallingford have access to safe and affordable opportunities to live a life of health and wellbeing. In the end, this project is less about a building and more about building a community. Programs such as; water therapy classes, water walking, Parkinson’s Water exercise, Adaptive/Special Needs programs, Learn to Swim programs, Member and Community swim, Family swim, Community Health programs and so much more.
While the ultimate scope and scale of the newly expanded YMCA will be determined by the amount of funds secured, our current vision includes: Aquatics Center addition to Westside, Multi-purpose pool, Universal locker room, Adventure zone, Yoga Studio, and expanded lobby.
The Y is committed to meeting the ever changing needs of our community and this project will assure that we remain positioned to do just that. Looking forward, we know that our community will continue to seek opportunities, to gather, engage in healthy activities and together, address issues of mental wellness, isolation and chronic disease.
The total amount needed to fully fund this project is currently estimated at $7 Million from all capital campaign sources. Of that amount, we expect to raise $5 million through individual, foundation and corporate support.
The Y is committed to building the facility that the community will support, therefore if we do not meet this goal, the project scope, scale and phasing will be determined by the funds available.
The capital fundraising effort for the Aquatics Center addition for the Wallingford Family YMCA will be led by the Capital Campaign Cabinet Chair JP Venoit with the support of the Cabinet members, YMCA Board members, Executive Director Sean Doherty and campaign counsel.
We have successfully secured $1.75m in bond funding from the State of Connecticut thanks to the confidence and support of our legislators; Senator Cicarella and Fasano, Representative Mushinsky, Representative Candelora, Representative Linehan and Representative Fishbein.
We have successfully secured $750K in Community Project Funding thanks to United States Representative Rosa DeLauro. We have also been in conversations with Senator Richard Blumenthal for a possible funding in 2025.
The renovation of the Community Pool is a great project and when complete will be open seasonally (8 to 12 weeks) to area residents. Our project will allow area residents the ability to enjoy swimming year round and will include multiple programs and activities. Our project is also driven by the increased demand from current YMCA members and the community. Currently the YMCA rents pool space from Choate Rosemary Hall to provide program space for its programs. In addition the growing demand for water therapy classes and the benefits of water exercise has driven the vision for this project.
While capital campaigns build facilities, it is the annual campaign that provides access for all people, regardless of their ability to pay. A successful YMCA needs generous donors for both annual and capital. The Y will continue fundraising activities and the Annual Campaign during the Capital Campaign, as it provides the funds needed for life changing access to the programs and services of the YMCA and is foundational to the mission of the organization.
Many factors will determine the timing for a new YMCA. Construction of the pool will begin when the funds needed have been secured. As we are about halfway through the campaign, there is no set timeline for construction. Once construction begins the Aquatics Center will be built in 12-18 months.
Contact Sean Doherty, Executive Director, at 203-269-4497 x129 for more information about how you can help this project.
If you wish to make a gift of stock to the Wallingford Family YMCA, please give your financial advisor the following information:
Fidelity Investments
Attn: TOA Receives
PO Box 770001
Cincinnati, OH 45277-0036
DTC: 0226
Account Number: 637-655834
Account Title: YMCA of Wallingford, Inc
Tax ID Number: 06-0646987
Because we do not receive your name with transfer of stock into our account, it is important that you or your broker notify us of your intended gift so that you are correctly credited and promptly thanked. Your proactive outreach is extremely helpful.
To notify us of your stock gift, or if you have questions regarding making any gift to the Wallingford Family YMCA, please reach out to Sean Doherty, Executive Director, at 203-843-5539.