Louisiana,
MO.  Passersby the Twin Pike Family YMCA in
Louisiana, MO, may soon see dirt piling up in its front yard.  Construction of the indoor aquatics center
and walking track is scheduled to begin in October, said Executive Director
Marsha Garrison. Initial work on the pool project will of course involve a
great deal of earth moving, Garrison added. 

“I am in contact with our general contractor, Black
Construction of Rockport, IL, almost daily as we try to finalize all the
details of the project.  There are a lot
of i’s to dot and t’s to cross with a project of this complexity.” Garrison
commented. “Dale and Mike Black will oversee all day-to-day construction work
with the project and they are the main contacts for the architect and sub-contractors.  This is a major project for our Y and we are
responsible to our donors and our members to make sure all facets of the pool
and walking track construction are done correctly. We want to be sure that the facility
holds up well through years and years of use.”

With the success of the aquatics center fund drive,
the YMCA board of directors has decided to forego hosting the annual fundraising
dinner auction this year. “We are very appreciative of the generosity of our
Twin Pike communities in supporting the pool project,” said Garrison.  “After such a successful campaign, our donors
and staff need a little time to rebound. 
But for those who always look forward to this fun and successful
evening, not to worry. The dinner auction committee is already working on plans
for the 2014 event.”

The
indoor aquatics center and walking track is the first of its kind in the Twin
Pike area.  “It’s exciting to think that
at this time next year we’ll have a pool and track the entire Twin Pike area
can use and enjoy year around,” Garrison stated proudly.  “We want to be sure our members and the entire
community understands that the pool will be available for all ages to use.  Yes, we hope to have a competitive swim team
and yes, there will be swim lessons, water aerobic classes and lap swim times
offered, but there will also be several blocks of time scheduled for family fun
swim.”

Garrison
said plans for the pool project also Include the addition of an outdoor spray
ground at some point.  “A spray ground is
a group of gentle water fountains coming up from the ground that children can
play in safely.  The spray ground will be
located in a fenced-in, outdoor recreational area next to the pool. This area will
include picnic tables, too.  The cost to
build the spray ground is about $150,000. Our Board of Directors is working to
raise the funds for the spray ground in hopes it can be built before the
exterior work around the pool addition is completed.“ Garrison explained that
the cost of the spray ground was not included as part of the pool fundraising
goal because the board wanted to keep the focus on the main project at
hand.  Individuals, businesses and
organizations wanting to make a tax-deductible donation towards the spray
ground should contact Garrison at the Twin Pike Family YMCA, 573-754-4497. Contributions
can also be mailed to or dropped off at the YMCA, located at 614 Kelly Lane,
Louisiana, MO 63353.