Groundbreaking Held For Yakima Rotary Aquatics Center

An official ground breaking was held Tuesday for the Yakima Rotary Aquatics Center to be built at Chesterly Park in Yakima. The city of Yakima, Rotary Clubs and the YMCA have joined forces to create the center at the park with the goal of opening the center in 2019. YMCA Executive Director Bob Romero says the last time the YMCA had a ground breaking was May 14, 1957. "And that's when the Y moved from behind where the Capital Theater is now to its current location. So that was 61 years and 2 weeks ago and here we are Today."
The actual groundbreaking at Chesterly Park on 40th Avenue was handled by kids who are members of the YMCA and will be future users of the aquatic center.
Plans for the center include a lazy river, lap pool and warm water therapy pool coupled with a new YMCA at the park. Construction is expected to begin soon with the opening set for 2019.  Funding comes from both the city of Yakima and donations from many community members.
The current facility will stay open in the downtown area.