Frequently Asked Questions
Why a Waushara County YMCA?
The YMCA is a catalyst for positive change—creating jobs, economic growth and workforce development. The Y is more than a fitness center, it is a hub for health, community and personal growth with diverse programs that impact all ages from all walks of life. it truly becomes the hub of our a community, changing lives daily.
The Stevens Point Area YMCA was approached in early 2023 about providing support to Waushara County. Members of these counties have seen the great work we do here in Stevens Point, and in other communities where there are YMCA’s. We worked together to have a better understanding of the needs that were faced, options to address those needs, and ultimately how to move forward. It was evident that community support and a member base could support a YMCA in the region. By working with the Stevens Point Area YMCA, we can share resources and create a viable and sustainable partnership to provide generations of impact.
Where will the YMCA be located?
The new YMCA will be located in Waushara County, within the City of Wautoma. The old courthouse site on St. Marie Street will be donated to the project and land cleared to make way for the 35,000 square foot build, leaving room for a future pool.
WHAT IS THE PROJECT TIMELINE?
2023:
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January: Preliminary and vision planning began with the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, Stevens Point YMCA, and a local family leading the initiative.
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May: A comprehensive community needs assessment was conducted, revealing critical areas of focus.
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July: Feasibility study executed to gauge community support and potential success.
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September: Formation of the Fundraising and Steering Team.
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December: Stevens Point YMCA Board of Directors formally endorsed the Waushara County YMCA project.
2024:
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Ongoing: Quiet phase of the Capital Campaign to engage key stakeholders and commence fundraising.
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September: Received a matching grant from the Otto Bremmer Foundation.
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October: Received a FFP Grant from the State of Wisconsin, complete Phase 1 fundraising; begin Phase 2 Fundraising Campaign
2025:
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Ongoing: Program development and planning. Completion of architectural design, site finalization, and recruitment of local leadership. Grant applications to be finalized.
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January: Program development and planning
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Mid-Year: Advancing workforce growth, commencing employment opportunities and talent acquisition
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July: Groundbreaking following successful fundraising and planning phases.
2026:
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Opening: Targeted opening of the facility to the public after an estimated 18-month construction period.
Key Milestones within the Project:
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Community Assessment and Initial Planning (2023): Identifying key challenges and formulating a strategic plan.
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Capital Campaign Launch (2024): To secure the financial resources required for the realization of the YMCA facility.
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Architectural Design and Pre-construction (2024): Finalizing designs and obtaining necessary approvals to proceed.
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Construction Phase (2025-2026): Building the facility with an emphasis on creating a space that meets the diverse needs of the community.
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Opening and Operation (2026): Commencement of operations, offering a wide range of programs aimed at supporting youth development, promoting healthy living, and ensuring social responsibility.
WHAT IS THE CAMPAIGN’S GOAL?
While evaluating options, we broke the project into two phases. Phase One will include the main facility; including childcare, wellness center with cardio and weight lifting equipment, group exercise space, an elevated walking track above basketball courts, drop in childcare, locker rooms and a community gathering space. The Phase One project scope is $10 million, and those funds are now fully funded!
Phase Two of the project is fundraising for a state-of-the-art aquatic center: a pool with zero entry and a recreational area. Phase two is estimated at $7 million, plus a $1 million endowment fund to pay for ongoing expenses of the pool.
HOW LARGE IS THE PROJECT? HOW MANY SQUARE FEET WILL BE BUILT?
This project scope is approximately 35,000 square feet of YMCA programming space. This includes a childcare wing, a 24-hour wellness center with cardio and weight lifting equipment, a group exercise room, a walking track elevated above basketball courts, a drop in childcare center, locker rooms and a community gathering space. The aquatic center is about 7000 square feet.
HOW MANY CHILDREN WILL THE NEW CHILDCARE CENTER ACCOMMODATE?
The childcare facility has been designed to serve up to 40-60 children, ages 6 weeks old and up. 5 state-of-the-art classrooms are designed to meet specific ages of a child’s development.
HOW WAS IT DETERMINED WHAT WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT?
Extensive market research was conducted in May-August of 2023 that targeted the different user groups of our facility. We started with a Needs Assessment survey, asking locals to describe the community needs present today. Top needs included childcare, activities for school age children and teens, senior connectedness, and a community gathering spot. Following that survey, a third party consultant was hired to conduct a feasibility study. This group interviewed many residents and looked at community data—and that gave information about what percent of the population was likely to join as members and benefit from the service and what market price a membership would be. This information informed and assured leadership of the sustainability piece of this project.
Based on the community needs and serving your best interest, the spaces were designed to be as multi-use as possible. This allows seniors to engage with each other throughout the day and our youth and teens to have a safe space to go in the evenings and the weekends.
AREN’T THERE GYM SPACES AND EXERCISE FACILITIES IN THE COMMUNITY ALREADY?
Yes, there are some wonderful gym spaces in schools and churches, there are some excellent yoga studios and some private gym facilities, and Senior Centers. However, the needs assessment survey spoke to the unfilled needs of the community for safe places for youth and teens, family programming, social engagement for seniors and childcare.
As a community grows, there is need to grow with it, by adding facilities that can meet unmet needs. The idea is to not duplicate services, but fill unmet needs.
CAN I PLEDGE A FUTURE GIFT?
Yes, we would be honored to accept your future pledge. Gifts to the capital campaign may be made in one lump sum or spread out over a period of no longer than 5 years. We are partnering with the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin to hold the fund for the aquatic center, so that's where financial gifts can be made (check/ACH/credit card). Pledges can be sent to Ryan Zietlow: rzietlow@spymca.org.
WHAT IS THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND BOARD MAKEUP FOR THE WAUSHARA YMCA?
The Waushara County YMCA will be a satellite location of the Stevens Point YMCA, run by the same CEO, Ryan Zietlow. The residents of the Waushara County Y will be able to use the Stevens Point facility and vice versa. Administrative costs will be shared between the two Y’s, leading to reduced overhead for both facilities. The Waushara County Y will have representation on the Stevens Point Y Board, and will form a committee for this facility.
WILL THIS BUILDING AFFECT MY TAXES?
No, there will be no impact on property taxes from this project. The funds for this project have been privately donated or were granted by a variety of organizations.
DOES THE WAUSHARA COUNTY Y WORK WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS?
The importance of partnerships and collaborations cannot be overstated. In any given year, the Stevens Point Y has about 30 different partnerships and collaborations. We have deep and important partnerships with local businesses, healthcare providers, other non-profits such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Boys and Girls Clubs, the ADRC, our local school districts, police and fire departments in addition to many more. We hope to be just as engrained in Waushara County as in Stevens Point, and have begun many of these partnerships already. The Waushara County Y believes that each of our community partners provides a unique thread of service and by working together we create a rich fabric that strengthens the community.
WOULD THE YMCA CONSIDER WORKING WITH ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY PARTNERS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS?
Yes! We believe we are stronger together. If you have a potential partnership in mind, email Ryan Zietlow. r.zietlow@spymca.org
WILL THIS BE SUSTAINABLE? WHAT WILL THE WAUSHARA COUNTY Y NEED FOR FUNDRAISING ONCE IT’S BUILT?
The building will be built with locally raised funds; the goal of the capital campaign is to establish this facility with no debt. Our expected financial statements have been built on the expected memberships sustaining the Y once it is built. In addition to regular expenses to run the building like payroll and lights, a healthy deferred maintenance expense has been budgeted for, so a new roof in 20 years shouldn’t require a capital campaign. We are planning for the Y to be sustainable with the membership income alone.
This will be a smaller facility with smaller membership pools, but as a satellite location, we will be leveraging resources from Stevens Point. This will result in administration and programming resources and expertise being shared.
The Phase Two fundraising campaign is being run separately and will fundraise the $7M to build an aquatic center for our community. There may be some debt assumed for the construction of the aquatic center, depending on donations and partnerships.
Yes! Your membership gives you full access to both facilities, plus nationwide YMCA reciprocity at all participating YMCAs. The YMCA will also be opening a location in Plover in late spring 2026 which all members will have access to.
No. Your current membership covers both facilities. When rates are set, you may choose the branch that best fits your home location.
Rates reflect the operating costs and services offered at each facility. Each branch will sets rates that ensure financial sustainability for that community. We anticipate the membership rates for Waushara will be release in mid-summer 2026.
Yes! You can work out in Waushara in the morning and take a class in Stevens Point later that same day.
Not necessarily. Each branch sets hours based on community use and staffing. Waushara hours will be released in late summer 2026.
24/7 access will be available at the Waushara Community YMCA and the key fob will gain access to the Stevens Point, Plover and Waushara Community YMCA’s.
Look for Charter Memberships to begin to be offered in July of 2026.
The Waushara Community YMCA will offer core services that best match community needs and available space. As participation grows, new amenities may be added. Yes, there will be a pool, drop-in and licensed childcare and wellness services.
There will be a time of training and onboarding of staff before programs will begin. Depending on which areas get hired the quickest will help determine which programs start and when.
Some programs will mirror Stevens Point offerings, while others will be unique to Waushara based on community needs. Programs will grow over time.
There will be 2-25 yard lap lanes for lap swimming, and open space for swim lessons, aquatic exercise classes and open play. There will be a mushroom water feature included as well. The deepest part will be 4’, which will allow us to run classes and other activities.
Yes. Members can register for programs at either branch through Daxko or through member services at the Welcome Center.
The Waushara Community YMCA will offer core services that best match community needs and available space. As participation grows, new amenities may be added. Yes, there will be a pool, drop-in and licensed childcare and wellness services.
Some specialized instructors may serve both, but each facility will have its own dedicated staff team.
We will see between 40-60 spaces for childcare, depending on the ages and ratios we are required to keep for licensing.
Email info@spymca.org and we will capture information to get you on the waitlist for childcare space.
All funds to build this facility were raised in Waushara County by local donors and businesses, grants and other funding mechanisms.
Donations designated for Waushara County stay in Waushara County. However, being part of one association means both facilities benefit from shared systems and expertise.
The Waushara Community YMCA strengthens the entire association by expanding reach and sharing resources. Growing together creates economies of scale, making operations more sustainable and impactful.
It means both branches share the same mission, leadership, systems, and support. This structure reduces costs and makes operations more sustainable, while still giving each branch its own community identity.
Yes. Our commitment to never turn anyone away due to financial need applies at both branches.
There will be dedicated staff for Waushara operations, supported by the Stevens Point YMCA leadership team.
We will begin recruitment for the Branch Director in late-April 2026. We will follow that by recruiting for an Aquatic Director and Childcare Director. We anticipate hiring other positions in late summer of 2026.
Members can volunteer, donate, or join committees to help shape programs and services. Email us at info@spymca.org for more information!
Yes. Every membership supports the YMCA’s mission in both Stevens Point and Waushara, helping us grow stronger together.
Click on the GIVE button on our website, or send us an email and we will help you out!