The YMCA of Delaware will formally break ground on the Silver Lake YMCA Pool site, and home of the new $25 million YMCA that will serve the Middletown-Odessa area. Site work is already underway.
Upon completion, the new YMCA will boast a full-sized gymnasium, indoor pool, universal fitness options for individuals, multiple fitness studios, a STEM room for youth, children’s adventure zone, a community education room, locker room, and a large lobby.
The Middletown YMCA will also feature an outdoor wellness space, made possible by the State of Delaware, providing a full-court public basketball court, two flexible public cross courts used for pickleball, a splash park adjacent to the Silver Lake Pool, an outdoor playground, functional mobile wellness space for outdoor fitness classes, and parking serving the New Castle County Library Middletown Branch, Silver Lake Elementary School, Silver Lake Pool, recreation and sports fields, and the YMCA.
The Y is seeking an OK for $18 million in revenue bonds from the State of Delaware.
The bond request will go before the Council on Development Finance on Monday. The bonds require a state OK, but are backed by private investors and not taxpayers.
“We are incredibly excited to finally break ground on this long-awaited YMCA,” said Jim Kelly, YMCA of Delaware Interim CEO. “This is a huge milestone for the Y as we continue our goal to positively impact as many people as possible in the communities we serve. This project, which would not be possible without the significant support from the town of Middletown and the State of Delaware, will have the power to fuel economic development, improve community health outcomes, empower youth, and bring people from all walks of life together.”
The Y anticipates serving 15,000 individuals annually through membership, community-based programs, before and after school enrichment, youth sports, and summer camp.
In addition, the Y will bring 300 jobs to the Middletown area, providing a workforce development pathway for many first-time job seekers.
To make YMCA memberships and programs accessible to all, the Y provided nearly $2.5 million in financial assistance to low-income families and individuals in 2021. It is anticipated that the new Middletown Y will provide over $500,000 annually in financial assistance to the local community.
