Capital Campaign – New Aquatic Center
Our Purpose
is Deeper than a Pool
Building Our New Aquatic Center
Capital Campaign
Press Release: “Community Meets $1 Million Matching Challenge; New $500,000 Matching Opportunity Announced for Northern Lights YMCA Aquatic Center Campaign“
Please Join Us
Now is the time for a fully accessible pool which will provide for continued safety around water training for thousands of local families and visitors for generations to come. We want everyone in Delta County and the surrounding area to be a part of this exciting aquatic opportunity!
That’s Where You Come In
If you believe that our community deserves an aquatic center where everyone can come together to learn, play, and be healthier, then we hope you will join us in supporting this project.
Your donation will help create a place where lives will be transformed – for generations to come.
Connect With Us
For more information on our project and gift opportunities, please contact:
JONATHAN RINGEL | Executive Director
906.774.4076 or jringel@nlymca.com
CARON SALO | Associate Executive Director
906.789.0005 or csalo@nlymca.com
NICOLE CLARK | Fund Development Assistant
906.789.0005 or nclark@nlymca.com
HADELE PEACOCK | Center Director
906.789.0005 or hpeacock@nlymca.com
CREATE A
MEANINGFUL LEGACY
The Northern Lights YMCA is committed to preserving the YMCA for generations to come. Through the generosity of our contributors, these gifts ensure the YMCA remains accessible to ALL in our community, regardless of circumstance. They help sustain our programs, uphold our mission, and provide a safe, welcoming place where individuals and families can grow, connect, and thrive—now and into the future.
WAYS TO GIVE:
The YMCA is seeking gifts that can be fulfilled over a 3–5 year period, with a variety of ways available to support this effort.
- Outright gifts with cash, check or credit card
- Appreciated stock or securities
- Real estate or other marketable assets
- Monthly, quarterly or special terms
- Planned giving
- Multi- year pledge (3 – 5 years) with convenient payment options
- IRA giving through qualified charitable account
- Corporate giving: sponsorships, matching gifts and / or employee campaigns
- In-kind gifts: goods, services or materials
A STORY OF SUCCESS FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Since opening its doors to the community in 1990 our Northern Lights YMCA Delta Center has experienced tremendous growth in programming and membership. From initial swim offerings in backyard pools and programming in local parks, our YMCA today boasts a growing membership base of more than 3,600 people, accounting for more than 9,600 visits each month. More than 50 youth, aquatic and fitness programming opportunities are available to members and the general public. The Y annually provides more than $100,000 in membership and programming assistance to the greater Delta community.
OUR COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Northern Lights YMCA Pool serves thousands of youth, families, seniors and those with special needs. It also serves local employers with wellness programs, making our Community a better place to live for everyone. Since opening our doors in 1990:
- More than 14,000 Kids have Learned to Swim.
- More than 1,200 have become Area Lifeguards.
- More than 1,000 have trained for Water Rescue and Recovery.
- More than 550 Special Needs Individuals have Learned to Swim and Build Vital Life Skills.
- More than 2,500 of People Injured or Suffering from Chronic Disease have had their Lives Improved through Water Therapy.
OUR COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Because our current pool is a regional resource, the YMCA makes aquatic safety a priority in our county and surrounding communities too. We are a critical regional resource for life guarding services and training, Search and Rescue Teams sharpen skills and test equipment in our pool, and we are a provider of lessons for individuals of all ages These partners include:
Bay College
City of Escanaba
City of Gladstone
City of Manistique
Delta County Area Schools
Delta County Dive, Search & Rescue Team
Delta Intermediate School District
Escanaba Rotary Club
Island Resort & Casino
Menominee County
Schoolcraft County
Special Olympics
DIVE INTO OUR FUTURE
Our capital project will fund the construction of a new community pool connected directly to our YMCA — bringing all of our facilities together under one roof. This integration will create significant operational efficiencies while dramatically improving the experience for members and the broader community.
The new aquatic center is designed to deliver:
IMPROVED Accessibility – Universal access features will ensure individuals of all abilities can safely and confidently enjoy the pool.
IMPROVED Family Experience – Thoughtfully designed spaces will better serve families with children of all ages, making the pool welcoming, functional, and easy to navigate.
IMPROVED Aquatic Safety & Lifeguard Training – Enhanced facilities will strengthen our role as a regional leader in swim lessons, water safety education, and lifeguard certification, helping keep our communities safe.
IMPROVED Competitive Swim Facilities – Upgraded space for our YMCA and local high school swim teams, serving more than 500 swimmers annually.
REDUCED Operating & Maintenance Costs – Modern, energy -efficient systems and advanced water treatment technology will significantly reduce sanitization costs and ongoing expenses.
“A new pool is not just a facility upgrade. It is a public safety investment, a health resource, an economic driver, and a leadership incubator for our next generation.“
Click image to enlarge
In the News…
- August 19, 2026: “Community Meets $1 Million Matching Challenge; New $500,000 Matching Opportunity Announced for Northern Lights YMCA Aquatic Center Campaign” – Press Release
- April 28, 2026: “Northern Lights YMCA Receives Transformational $2 Million Commitment from John and Melissa Besse Foundation” – Press Release
- Feb. 28 2024: “Northern Lights YMCA raising funds to replace and relocate pool” – TV19 WZMQ
- Jan. 6 2024: “Northern Lights YMCA Delta Center needs a new pool” – TV6