County Partners with Others to Expand Competitive and Recreational Swimming Opportunities
County Executive Jan Gardner today joined representatives from the YMCA, Frederick County Public Schools, Frederick Regional Health System and other community organizations in announcing an exciting opportunity for students and residents who enjoy competitive and recreational swimming.
“I am so pleased with this creative solution to a community challenge that will allow more opportunities for swimmers,” said Executive Gardner. “With our partnership with the YMCA, we will provide more pool time for school swimming and diving teams, competitive swim leagues and citizens who swim for their health and recreation.”
A frequent request from parents and residents has been for more pool time in Frederick County. When the YMCA announced plans to build a new facility in the South County, Executive Gardner entered discussions to secure more pool time for students and enhance public access to swimming pools.
The new South County Family YMCA will be located on a twenty-two acre parcel of land on Urbana Pike between Urbana High School and Urbana Middle School. This land was donated by Natelli Communities.
The county will set aside $600,000 a year for six years beginning in FY2019 toward an enhanced aquatic center at the YMCA’s South County facility. Once the YMCA has raised the money to advance the entire project, county funds held in escrow will be paid out as reimbursement for qualified expenses. This arrangement will protect taxpayers. The YMCA will be responsible for the ongoing operating expenses for the aquatic center.
In exchange for the county’s support, the YMCA has agreed to add more lanes to the main pool, expand the smaller pool used by families and swim classes, and include spectator seating and more parking, among other features. The YMCA also agreed to allow citizens who are not members to use the pool during specified times. Discounted rates are available for school teams, local swim clubs and members of the public who want to use the pool. The 20-year agreement can be extended for up to another 10 years.
Executive Gardner added, “This is a good partnership as it takes advantage of an opportunity, leverages resources, protects the public investment and fills a community need for our schools and citizens. I thank the YMCA and our partners who worked on this community solution.”
