Eastside YMCA Indoor Pool Area Updates

We understand the frustrations that come with inconsistent facilities, and we’re working on some exciting updates!

This Spring, our team partnered with a local foundation to secure a $143,000 gift to begin renovations to our indoor pool complex. This first grant will cover total renovations to the small pool, including crack repairs followed by new plaster, water blasting, new tile, new filtration system, new circulating pump, new auto water fill system, new heater, new slide pump and a paint job for the slide. We are thrilled to be able to give this pool the update our members deserve.

And we are optimistic this is just the beginning! Our total project list is approximately $800,000 and includes:

• All the same updates for the large pool, and new ADA pool steps
• Relocating the whirlpool to the pool deck
• New sauna
• New paint for walls and ceiling
• New decking
• New family changing rooms

Our team has applied for $120,000 in funding through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), a state tax-credit program supported by area businesses. We expect a decision on our application in late Fall 2026.

Through this program, we are seeking to replace aging equipment in the large pool, update damaged mechanical equipment and add an ADA accessible drinking fountain to the space.

What does this mean for you? The cloudy water, inconsistent temperatures and repeated facility closures are largely a result of the fact that when the complex was built, the chemicals like acid and chlorine were stored in the mechanical room. Moving these chemicals out is more complicated than just picking up a bucket. Chemicals are housed in 200-gallon tanks which connect via pipe to water filtration systems. Over the years, the caustic nature of the chemicals has caused the mechanical equipment to deteriorate prematurely. While we’ve replaced the equipment many times over the years, moving the chemicals will address the root cause of the issue and allow this new equipment to function properly and consistently, giving you a comfortable and consistent experience.

Through a gift from a private donor, our team is securing a storage shed and will begin transitioning the chemicals outside. We are hopeful our NAP project will be approved and we can begin purchasing the new mechanical equipment and addressing this next phase of updates to the large pool.

How you can help: Members like you have been a vital part of this project, making gifts and sharing funding opportunities. If you know of a grant or other funding opportunity that may support this project, please share it with our team. While we attempt to stay informed, sometimes there are opportunities out there that we aren’t aware of – and advocacy from our members is hugely helpful.

We strive to make the Eastside Y (and all our YMCA of Greater Erie locations) vibrant and reliable community spaces. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach Kelly Gibson, Eastside YMCA Executive Director or Deanna Renaud, Vice President of Marketing & Financial Development.