YMCA breaks ground for new pool facility

submitted photo-- Board members, state and local officials and friends of the Osage Prairie YMCA held an official groundbreaking ceremony for the organization's new pool facility on Tuesday.

After four years of fundraising and overcomingseveral obstacles, an indoor swimming pool at the Osage Prairie YMCA is becoming a reality. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 10, 2008 to mark the end of a long fundraising journey and the beginning of the pool. Lacey Brothers Construction is to begin excavation immediately on a four-lane 25-yard pool with leisure area. Completion date is set for January 2009.

In 2004, the Osage Prairie YMCA began making preparations for the construction of a pool. Preliminary designs and cost estimates were developed, a campaign was designed, and through the following year and a half, nearly $1.9 million dollars was raised. Unfortunately, during the fundraising efforts, as a result of political events and natural disasters, construction costs skyrocketed. The swimming pool that was reasonably projected to cost $1.7 million to build would now cost $2.3 million.

The Board of Directors went to the community to determine community needs. They found that each summer, dozens of kids brave early morning water temperatures to practice their stroke and shorten their times as they take part in the Nevada Neptunes Swim Team. In an age where children are more apt to play a video game than to take part in physical activity, that's significant. Childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions and swimming is one remedy for a growing health crisis.

Additionally, people who suffer from arthritis can experience real relief, children can learn water safety and swimming skills, and more people can take advantage of the benefits of exercise through water.