The county will put funding toward a new YMCA aquatic center in Urbana.
Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick County residents could be getting more swimming pool time in the future. County Executive Jan Gardner announced on Friday the county will set aside $600,000 in its budget for six years beginning in 2019 toward the YMCA’s new aquatic center in the Urbana area. The total amount is $3.6-million.
In a statement from the County Executive’s Office, the funds will be held in escrow until the YMCA raises the money to advance the entire project. This agreement will protect county taxpayers as the YMCA will be responsible for the expenses to operate and maintain the facility.
In return, more lanes will be added to the main pool, and the smaller pool will be expanded for families and swim classes. There will also be spectator seating, more parking and other facilities.
The YMCA has also agreed to allow citizens who are not members to use the pool at specified times. Discounted rates will available for school teams, local swim clubs and members of the public who want to use the pool.
“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 will work on a this community solution,” says County Executive Gardner in a statement.
She also says she’s heard from a lot of residents who say they want more pool time.
The other partners in this agreement include the Frederick County Public School System and the Frederick Regional Health System.
This partnership will last for 20-years, and can be extended for an additional ten years.
By Kevin McManus