YMCA looks to raise $37K to fix, reopen pool

The Aquatic Center at the Grist-Brown Memorial YMCA of Selma Dallas County is closed again for repair, and officials are looking for funding sources to help cover the $37,000 in repair costs needed to get the pool up and running again.  

Selma YMCA Marketing Director Austin Williams said extensive repairs and renovations are underway, and the plan is to do it right so it will not be closed permanently.  

“Rather than putting a Band-Aid on some of the issues, we’ve opted to completely replace some of the equipment that is long overdue for an upgrade,” Williams said.  

Williams said the good news is that fixing the pool correctly will save money in the long run, but keeping the pools closed for this long has made some members think the pools is closed for good.   

How quickly the work is completed and when the pool reopens depends on the availability of funding. But Williams said even though it may take a while, “when we do reopen our aquatic facility, we want to make sure it functions properly but also give our members a facility that is safe and they can be proud of.”  

Much of the equipment is on the way. Williams said the pool repair company is “waiting on a few minor components to be finalized” before they order some other equipment.    

The equipment cost for the large pool is $21,000 and $16,000 for the small pool. Both of those totals would address everything required to keep the water clean and warm, but it does not address aesthetic and safety issues. Those issues include replacing some pool tiles and getting the HVAC system replaced, Williams said.   

Because of the cost of the repairs and upgrades and the lack of available funds, Williams said the Y is “definitely in need of assistance when it comes to funding. We are sending out donation letters to private businesses and meeting with private business owners.”  

Williams said they have been meeting with organizations and researching what grants may be available to get more funding to repair the pools. He said the Y is also asking members if they know anyone who could help connect them to funding sources.   

Once the work is completed and the Aquatic Center reopens, Williams said swimming lessons will be offered again. He also said that the suggestion from one member for a swim team is not out of the question for the future.