(KNSI) – The St. Cloud Area Family YMCA is making a final push to raise the remaining funds needed for a new outdoor aquatics center.
For 23 years, St. Cloud residents have been without a public outdoor pool since the Lake George Municipal Pool closed. The proposed waterpark would include a large wading pool, slides, and a lazy river.
St. Cloud YMCA Executive Director Greg Gack says the park would fill a long-standing gap in community recreation facilities. “It’s been a long time since they’ve had an outdoor pool that the community can come to. And we’re just continuing to move towards that.”
The Y has raised nearly $11 million over the past three years of the estimated $15 million needed. However, they still need additional commitments to reach their total project goal and are facing a looming Labor Day deadline to avoid rising construction costs. Meeting this timeline would also allow for a groundbreaking later this year.
Rather than taking on debt, the Y is using what’s called “bridge financing,” collecting multi-year pledges from donors that can be paid over time. “We have to get 100% of the gifts committed and start collecting on those pledges in order for us to get that shovel in the ground,” Gack explained.
The Y had hoped to secure nearly $5 million in state bonding money to help launch the waterpark, but the funding wasn’t included in the final legislative bill.
Community members interested in supporting the outdoor waterpark project can make pledges or learn more about donation opportunities by clicking here.
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