New YMCA pool plan reaches key step with City Council first reading tonight

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (NEWS-PRESS NOW) -- St. Joseph's elected officials will take the first step toward potentially diving in on a new $15.6 million Community Aquatic Center this evening.

Monday's City Council agenda is headlined by a bill for first reading that if approved, would provide $7 million in funding for the construction and operation of the public aquatic facility on the YMCA's Community Campus at 3601 N. Village Drive, as well as annual operational costs in the amount of $270,000 for a 20-year term.

YMCA CEO Tammy Killin will give a presentation at the meeting detailing the broader plan for the aquatic center as well as facility renderings. Discussions will provide a closer look at how the joint facility is expected to operate.

Unofficial renderings show the 35,000-square-foot facility will include a 50-meter pool with 10 lanes, a four-lane wellness pool, a multi-purpose room, locker rooms, spectator seating, offices and on-site food and beverage concessions, among other amenities. The wellness pool is a dual recreational and therapeutic pool that includes a play area and four lanes for water safety and swim lessons.

The city’s agreement requires that the Aquatic Center be open seven days a week, excluding major holidays, and be available to the public for at least five hours daily. A membership to the YMCA would not be required to use the Aquatic Center. 

The agreement also specifies that daily admission for the facility will not exceed $8 unless approved by the city. St. Joseph residents will receive a $2 discount on admission when they present identification. Children younger than 3 will be given free admission.  

City officials are also discussing offering bus service to the new Aquatic Center, and plans are to place a covered transit shelter outside the facility. The goal is to ensure all residents have access to the pool. Bus passes for youth will be included in the youth pool pass.  

The city plans to continue offering the lazy river and zero-depth entry pool features at the Aquatic Center, along with the Liberty Oak Splash Park at Hyde Park for residents to enjoy in warm-weather months. Construction is also planned for a new shallow-water activity pool where the old Hyde Pool was located, with that project starting this fall. In addition, a second splash park that includes a shallow stream is set to open in 2026 at the Northside Complex on the site of the old Krug Pool.  

Per terms of the agreement with the YMCA, the city's first annual operating payment shall be made by Aug. 15, 2027, if the Aquatic Center is fully constructed and operational at that time. Annual fund payments must be approved each year by a City Council resolution.

The aquatic center funding agreement provides that the grant funds in the amount of $7,000,000 will be provided as follows:

• $1,000,000 upon commencement of construction of the Aquatic Center;
• $3,000,000 upon the Aquatic Center construction becoming in “the dry”, meaning the exterior structure is fully enclosed;
• $3,000,000 upon final completion of construction of the Aquatic Center.

A formal vote on the agreement is expected to take place at the next council meeting on Tuesday, May 27. City Council previously approved a resolution last April stating its intent to contribute the funds if the YMCA raised its end after the organization approached the city with the proposal.