Northumberland Family YMCA Breaks Ground on DynaDome, Expanding Year-Round Aquatic Access

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2025

Northumberland Family YMCA Breaks Ground on DynaDome, Expanding Year-Round Aquatic Access

Heathsville, VA – The Northumberland Family YMCA marked a major milestone on February 1, 2025, with the groundbreaking of the DynaDome—a state-of-the-art retractable enclosure that will transform the YMCA’s outdoor pool into a year-round aquatic resource for the community.

With the DynaDome in place, the YMCA will be able to offer swim lessons, water safety programs, and aquatic fitness classes even during the colder months—ensuring more children and families have access to life-saving water skills and wellness opportunities every day of the year.

“The demonstrated usage of our pool seasonally, combined with the changing circumstances and ongoing community needs, sparked action,” said Allison Cockrell, center executive of the Northumberland Family YMCA. “We needed to cover our pool so we could serve more.”

Community Support and Partnerships
The project is fully funded through generous donations, making it a true community-driven initiative. Key partners and attendees at the ceremony included:

DynaDome Retractable Structures, GuernseyTingle, Connemara, John O'Shaughnessy, Ellen Cowart, Edee Withers, Mason Brent, Boys & Girls Club, Northumberland County Public Schools, and Ocean Harvesters.

Although inclement weather forced the groundbreaking ceremony to take place inside the YMCA gym, the symbolic turning of dirt underscored the community’s commitment to expanding access to aquatic programs.

“Our county will be a better place because of the DynaDome,” said Ellen Cowart, capital campaign chair. “It’s about much more than just expanding our YMCA program. Ultimately, it’s about saving lives.”

Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Aquatics
The DynaDome is expected to be completed by early summer 2025, with demolition and construction set to begin within the next month.

“Our children in a rural community do not have a lot of activities and things to do,” said Edee Withers, a supporter of the project. “By having a covered pool, we can teach them swim lessons all year long.”

The project is also a testament to the spirit of collaboration. Cihan Ozdemir, Vice President of Sales at DynaDome, expressed pride in contributing to the YMCA’s mission. “As far as being part of the nonprofit community, being able to give back—that's a huge part of who I am personally.”

Stay Updated and Get Involved
For updates on the DynaDome project, visit ymcavp.org/dynadome.

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Skip Ferebee, Chief Strategy Officer
sferebee@ymcavp.org

### About the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas
The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas is a cause-driven charity that has been strengthening communities in the Virginia Peninsulas for over 126 years through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across the Association, 18 facilities engage 50,000+ men, women, and children — regardless of age, income, or background — to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve our community’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Peninsula Y has long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise but to deliver lasting personal and social change.