OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The partnership among the City of Oskaloosa, Oskaloosa Community School District, the Mahaska County YMCA, and a record amount of community support is embarking on an exciting new chapter, moving forward with highly anticipated pool project using an innovative construction strategy that prioritizes quality and strengthens community trust.
With a renewed vision and a commitment to transparency, the partnership is transforming its multimillion-dollar aquatic center into a symbol of progress and collaboration, setting a diving-off point for the project and the community it serves.
“We’re not compromising,” Barry Martin, CEO of the Mahaska County YMCA, said emphatically about the project’s renewed trajectory. “We want a quality product for this community.”
The City of Oskaloosa has contracted with a construction manager, an important shift that allows for contractor selection based on qualifications. A recent state law change in 2023 enabled this more flexible selection process, giving the partnership greater control over the project execution. This law wasn’t in effect in 2020 when the bids were originally let.
“The project interviewed multiple contractors,” Martin explained. “We were able to choose the candidate that best met our needs, not just the cheapest option.”
The project’s original ambitious design remains unchanged, featuring a competition pool, warm water area, and splash pad. Critically, the City has retained its original design team from SVPA and Water’s Edge, partnering with a new contractor who has successfully completed a nearly identical pool project in Washington, Iowa.
“We have great partners working on this project,” says Martin, highlighting the team’s collective expertise and commitment to delivering a state-of-the-art facility.
Funding represents another positive development. The project is financially secure without requiring additional community fundraising or tax increases.
“We are grateful for the community partners who have stepped up to ensure this project resumes,” said Oskaloosa Schools Swim Team Coach Rachel Brown. “It’s exciting to see a new timeframe being established where our students involved in swimming can look forward to new facilities. This is another example of how Oskaloosa provides more and better opportunities for Oskaloosa students and families.”
While a precise completion date remains somewhat flexible, Martin anticipates an aggressive timeline, with initial groundwork underway. Preliminary site preparation has started, with initial construction expected in early Spring 2025.
Community interest remains high. The YMCA currently welcomes approximately 6,700 visitors monthly, with significant curiosity about the pool’s progress.
The pool project represents more than just a recreational facility. For the Mahaska County YMCA, it symbolizes resilience, strategic planning, and commitment to community needs.
As construction moves forward, the partnership remains focused on delivering a pool that meets and exceeds community expectations. The project is a testament to persistent collaboration between local leadership, donors, and community stakeholders.
With shovels expected to break ground in Spring 2025 and an anticipated grand opening by the fall of 2026, the Mahaska County YMCA pool project is poised to become a cornerstone of local recreational and community infrastructure.
“We’ve learned a lot through this process,” Martin reflected. “And now we’re ready to deliver something truly special for Oskaloosa.”
The community watches with renewed hope and anticipation, eager to see this project finally become a reality.
