You may have heard the buzz about exciting opportunities in Waushara County with news articles like “Planning underway to bring YMCA to Wautoma.” In our latest Community Lunch Hour conversation, we had a chance to learn what lies ahead for this inspiring project–while also digging back into how this idea took root and the partnerships that made it possible. Joining our CEO, Jenny Riggenbach, were Kyle and Lanie DeMars of the DeMars Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin and Ryan Zietlow, CEO of the Stevens Point Area YMCA.
Phase One: Laying the Foundation. It was a delight to learn that Phase One funding goals have been reached, allowing construction to start in July 2025 and a grand opening planned for late summer 2026. The YMCA will be centrally located at the old Waushara County Courthouse, making it accessible to families across the region. Phase One will include a licensed child care center, a gymnasium with a walking track, and spaces for group exercise, wellness, and community gatherings. The YMCA will also provide telehealth services for rural residents lacking broadband. This holistic approach supports both physical health and social connections.
Phase Two and Beyond: A Pool for All. Phase One is just the start. Many residents are excited about the possibility of an aquatic center. Pools are costly—about $7-9 million to build and $250,000 annually to maintain. To keep memberships affordable and the pool accessible to all residents, an endowment fund is being created. The Friends of the Waushara Community YMCA fund will raise money for Phase Two and ensure long-term financial sustainability for the aquatic center.
Every donation, big or small, is crucial in bringing this vision to life. It takes all of us working together to build something our entire community will benefit from for years to come.
– Kyle DeMars of the DeMars Family Fund
The goal is to gather support from donors, businesses, grants, and community members like you. Already, $2.25M has been secured, and if $4.5 million can be identified by January 31, 2025, the Friends will receive an additional $1.2M toward the pool. If you’re interested in being part of this effort or making a year-end gift, give today or connect with us at foundation@cfcwi.org to learn more about the YMCA Friends Group.
One Couple’s Vision Ignited a Community Movement. You might wonder, how did this all start? When Kyle and Lanie DeMars moved to Wautoma in 2017 and took over an agricultural supply business, they never imagined the incredible opportunities that awaited them. By 2022, after selling their business, they felt a strong pull to give back to the place that had become home. But figuring out how to make the biggest impact wasn’t easy.
That’s when they connected with the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin—with guidance from Community Foundation staff, Kyle and Lanie explored different opportunities to support the community. They toured local YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, and community centers to see firsthand what was possible. In the end, they were inspired to help bring a YMCA to Waushara County, a place where people of all ages—from babies to seniors—could come together, stay healthy, and build connections.
Partnerships Power the YMCA Dream. Partnerships were key to making this idea possible. Ryan Zietlow, CEO of the Stevens Point Area YMCA, noted that rural communities often face unique challenges in establishing facilities like a YMCA. “We needed a strategy to ensure long-term interest and sustainability,” he said. The team’s community needs assessment showed demand for youth programs, child care, and senior activities—needs perfectly aligned with the YMCA’s mission. A feasibility study confirmed that the Waushara YMCA could be sustainable and serve the community long term.
Momentum grew with a lead gift from the DeMars Family Fund and significant grants, including $4.25 million from Governor Evers and a $300,000 matching grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation. “It takes partnerships to make this work, and we’ve been blessed with incredible support from all our partners,” Ryan said.
We’re excited to see how new partnerships will shape Phase Two and invite you to join us in bringing the aquatic center to Waushara County!
Ready to Help Build the Waushara YMCA?
Whether you’re interested in contributing financially, volunteering, or spreading the word, there are many ways to get involved. Take action today:
- LEARN MORE by visiting the Waushara County YMCA website.
- JOIN the Friends Group by contacting foundation@cfcwi.org.
- DONATE to the Friends of the Waushara Community YMCA to create a lasting impact.
- SHARE the blog post and video with friends, family, and colleagues to help spread the word.