Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Tag: YMCA

  • J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall broke ground on $5.2M expansion project to improve 50-year-old building

    J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall broke ground on $5.2M expansion project to improve 50-year-old building

    Facility enhancements include natatorium renovation and new exercise studio

    The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall broke ground on one of its largest construction projects to date, a $5.2 million facility expansion. The project will focus on improving some of its most heavily trafficked areas, helping to increase access, safety, and programming for members and staff. Since opening its doors in 1975, the J.E.R. Chilton Y has remained a cornerstone of Rockwall County, promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The 50-year-old building will receive critical updates including:

    ● A natatorium renovation to rebuild and winterize the facility for swim lessons, swim team activities, and lifesaving water safety programs year-round, in addition to an extra changing room
    ● A new group exercise studio to expand wellness offerings, classes, and provide space for necessary events.

    Last year, HomeBank Texas provided a transformational gift to the J.E.R. Chilton Y with a $500,000 donation to kickstart the project, securing naming rights to the future natatorium. This year, phase one of construction started on two new paved parking lots near the building’s Small Fry Fields, where more spaces are now available, improving accessibility and convenience for members, guests, and staff.

    As part of the capital campaign, J.E.R. Chilton YMCA has been offered a $500,000 challenge grant opportunity from the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation. To satisfy this challenge, the Y must raise $892,670 in additional community support by January 13, 2027. If met, the Mabee Foundation’s $500,000 grant will be awarded, significantly accelerating progress toward the campaign’s $5.2 million goal.
    “After five decades of service, it’s time to write our next chapter. We have an incredible opportunity to revitalize a building that serves thousands of members, but more importantly, it breathes new life into core programming,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President
    and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “This construction project is a commitment to our community that says we’re rooted in Rockwall and will continue to invest in its future.”

    With Rockwall County named the nation’s second fastest-growing county (U.S. News & World Report, 2024), this expansion is vital. These upgrades ensure the Y remains a community hub and continues to serve and strengthen Rockwall for current and future generations.

    “The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall has brought valuable new programming to the area, including drowning prevention, senior lunch and learn, and Angel Camp,” said Harold C. Young II, District Executive Director at J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall. “When looking at the numbers from 2025, we’ve served more than 16,000 people through membership and programs across the community. Nearly 13,000 people found connection and community through membership at the Y, more than 3,600 youth participated in sports, nearly 1,900 people took part in swim lessons and Safety Around Water programming, 584 children participated in afterschool programs, and 535 campers experienced our day and adaptive camps. When you have a presence that can reach thousands of people, the space you host them in should feel just as inspiring as the programs. We’re thrilled to give our Rockwall community a fresh environment, built to last another 50 years.”

    Building renovations will begin immediately, with the estimated timeline to be completed in the summer of 2027. To learn more or get involved in improving our local communities, have opportunities to make an impact and support your neighbors, please visit us at www.ymcadallas.org.

    Source: Press Release

  • J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall selected to receive $500K challenge grant

    J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall selected to receive $500K challenge grant

    The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall is moving forward with a strategic fundraising initiative to replace and expand the natatorium’s roof. To accelerate its $5.2M capital campaign, the Y has been offered a $500K challenge grant from the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation. The Y must raise additional funds in community support to unlock funds.

    To unlock the Mabee Foundation’s funding opportunity, the Y must raise $892,670 in additional community support by January 13, 2027. Meeting this challenge will provide the final momentum needed to modernize the branch’s most heavily used spaces, ensuring the Y remains a central point of healthy living, safety, and a place for all. Rockwall County is the second fastest-growing community in the nation, making this update critical for residents. “We are deeply grateful for the early momentum and generous support we’ve had to jumpstart this project,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “We’re on the path to creating a more robust Y for North Texans. We invite the rest of our community and neighbors to join us in crossing the finish line to provide a YMCA experience that is equipped for the future.”

    The capital campaign focuses on three critical areas of the branch designed to improve accessibility and expand programming capacity:
    ● Natatorium Transformation: The project will rebuild and winterize the roof and exterior walls, allowing for year-round use of the pool. Enhancements include a new changing room and upgraded safety features to support water safety programs, recreational swim and competitive swim sports.
    ● New Group Exercise Studio: To meet the increased demand for wellness programs, a new studio will be added to allow for expanded class offerings and more opportunities for members to connect through fitness.
    ● Parking Lot Expansion: Accessibility will be significantly improved with an expanded parking footprint to accommodate the growing number of families and individuals visiting the branch daily.

    From life-saving swim lessons to senior wellness initiatives, the planned updates ensure the facility remains a safe and welcoming “third space” for all. “The Y has been a place of belonging for my family for over half a century,” said Brett Packer, Member of the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall Board of Managers. “It’s time to ensure it remains that place for another half-century and beyond. When you support this renovation, you’re investing in lives, in memories, and in a community united by shared values of service, faith, and belonging.” To donate to the J.E.R. Chilton Family YMCA at Rockwall and help meet the challenge grant, please visit this link.

    Source: Press release