The community has "Saved the Wave," according to McCook YMCA officials.

Volunteer Campaign Chairman Jeff Shaddock announced that the fund-raising campaign to renovate the swimming pool area has reached its goal of $400,000 in pledges for the project.

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"The community certainly stepped up to support the YMCA when we needed it," noted Shaddock. "We were hoping to have the fund raising completed by August so the facility improvements could be done in August and September and with several generous gifts last month, the goal has been reached."

Shaddock cited several generous donations given in recent weeks including a pledge from Bison Dental, which pushed the fund-raiser very close, and Pinpoint Communications, which put the project over the goal.

According to Mike Gonzales, YMCA Executive Director, the YMCA pool area will be closed for renovations for the next three to four weeks for the renovations. There are several major components to the renovation project, he said.

"The most crucial of the four is the installation of a new dehumidifier which has been delivered and is being installed," Gonzales said.

The Save the Wave project also includes new lighting, a new salt-water generating chlorinator, a new high pressure sand filter for the main pool and paint. Other mechanical improvements will be completed over the next several weeks.

"We knew going into the project what a big improvement the dehumidifier would be for the facility," Gonzales said.

"More recently we have realized how much the new lighting will improve visual effect of the pool area while making it safer for swimmers by eliminating shadows in the pool area.

New lighting will provide more than twice the light in the space and save the YMCA a significant amount of energy compared to the old lights."

In addition, the State of Nebraska has given its approval for the new salt conversion chlorinator. This is a chlorinating system that is widely used in other parts of the country but is new to the State of Nebraska for commercial-sized pools.

"You basically add salt to the pool. Once it dissolves, the salt water is treated and the chemical reaction produces a cleaner and more efficient form of chlorine that keeps the pool sanitized. This form of chlorine is easier on the pool basin and mechanical equipment, but most importantly it isn't as harsh on the swimmers," Gonzales said.

While it was Bryant Brooks who first brought this chlorinating system to the attention of the YMCA Board of Directors, it was Greg Wolford of W Design who did the engineering to get approval from the State of Nebraska.

"We are already getting calls from other YMCA facilities that are interested in the system," Gonzales said.

He added that the YMCA will have an open house when the current renovations are complete.

"We want everyone to see the results of the community support to Save the Wave. The community can be proud of what they have accomplished it a very short time span. This renovation will ensure that the YMCA will be able to provide a clean and safe pool for future generations to enjoy," he said.

Ed Thomas YMCA

http://www.mccookymca.org/