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Following more than a year of planning and advanced-phase fundraising, we are excited to publicly announce our capital campaign to expand and enhance the recently renamed Roehl Family YMCA here in Oconomowoc. More than $8.6 million has already been secured toward the campaign and we will launch the community phase this fall, seeking to raise an additional $1.5 million to help bring the project to completion.
The campaign represents a significant investment in the future of the Y and the communities we serve, responding to growing community needs while strengthening our ability to serve individuals and families throughout the Lake Country area for generations to come.
In preparation for the campaign, the Y partnered with an independent consulting firm to conduct a feasibility study involving more than 70 community leaders, donors, members, board members, staff, and other stakeholders. The study confirmed strong support for the YMCA as a trusted community asset and affirmed enthusiasm for the campaign’s vision and opportunities for future growth.
The capital campaign focuses on three key priorities: expanding the facility to meet growing community needs, modernizing existing spaces, and eliminating the remaining capital debt from the building’s original construction. Together, these investments will position the Roehl Family YMCA for long-term sustainability while creating new opportunities for the community.
Thanks to the generous support of the Ewald Family, a signature feature of the expansion will be the addition of what will be called the Ewald Family Airnasium, a unique multi-use outdoor gymnasium designed to serve individuals of all ages and abilities. Covered by a roof while remaining open to the outdoors, it will provide a flexible space for recreation, fitness, youth programming, community gatherings, and even ice skating in winter, offering opportunities to enjoy the space rain or shine, in every season. Supporting the outdoor amenities will be a new covered picnic shelter and outdoor restroom facilities located on the east side of the building near Sheild Field. The picnic shelter will provide a welcoming gathering space for members and program participants, while the restrooms will serve both the Ewald Family Airnasium and outdoor athletic fields.
The project will also expand opportunities for health and wellness with a new, larger free weight center, expanded group exercise studios, and an immersive cycling studio that combines indoor cycling with advanced visual and audio technology to create an engaging group riding experience. These enhancements will provide more space and opportunities for people of all fitness levels to pursue their health and wellness goals.
The campaign also includes an active recreation space for kids. This new multi-use space will support programming that encourages children to be active while helping them develop important physical, social, and emotional skills in a fun and welcoming environment.
In addition to the new spaces, the campaign includes a comprehensive refresh of existing areas throughout the Roehl Family YMCA. Proposed improvements include renovated locker rooms with modern amenities; enhanced common areas with comfortable seating that encourage social connection; dedicated rest and recovery spaces that support relaxation and overall well-being; and updated staff and administrative areas designed to improve efficiency and accommodate future growth.
The success of the campaign is being guided by a dedicated volunteer leadership team. Tim Schneider and Dr. Pete Sheild are serving as Campaign Co-Chairs, leading a Capital Campaign Cabinet that includes Angela Batterman, Jay Mack, Mary Sue McNamee, Pat McNamee, and Mark Wierman.
Serving as Honorary Co-Chairs are Pete and Nancy Roehl and Dirk and Terry Debbink, whose leadership, generosity, and commitment to strengthening the community have helped shape the vision for the project.
“This campaign is about making sure the YMCA is prepared to meet the changing needs of the community we serve,” said YMCA CEO Jon Lange. “Lake Country continues to attract new families and residents, and we are seeing increasing demand for the programs, services, and opportunities the YMCA provides. These improvements will give us the space and resources to serve more people, respond to emerging needs, and ensure the Y continues to be a strong community resource for years ahead.”
We will continue to share updates and details as the project progresses and the community phase of the campaign begins this fall. Construction is slated to begin next spring. At its heart, this investment is about creating more ways for people to connect, belong, learn, grow, and thrive, while ensuring the YMCA has the spaces and resources to serve the community well into the future.
