Seasonal limitations can significantly restrict aquatics access for community rec centers. For the Northumberland Family YMCA in Virginia — home to the only pool in its county — weather and temperature constraints historically limited operations to three or four months a year, disrupting programming, training and member access. Seeking a way to provide consistent, year-round aquatics opportunities without sacrificing the open-air pool experience, the Northumberland Family YMCA turned to DynaDome.
“The ability to transition between enclosed and open‑air settings has been more intuitive than expected, and members consistently comment on the improved experience,” said Adam Klutts, the president and CEO of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas.
Below, Klutts shares how the partnership has stabilized aquatics revenue, reduced weather-related cancellations, and expanded access to swim lessons, training and programming. He also offers insights for other community rec professionals considering similar upgrades, including lessons learned from planning and the operational impact of converting a seasonal pool into an all-season facility.
How long have you been a customer of DynaDome?
We initiated our DynaDome project for the Northumberland Family YMCA in late 2024 and moved through permitting, ordering and construction on an accelerated schedule. Substantial completion occurred in late May 2025, and the Brent Family Aquatic Center has been operating year‑round under the enclosure since the summer of 2025. We’ve been an active customer since the 2024 procurement phase, with full operational benefits realized beginning in May 2025.
Why did you decide to partner with DynaDome? Did you have a specific problem you were looking to solve?
Our key challenge was seasonal disruption. Inclement weather and winter temperatures limited aquatics programming, safety trainings and member access. DynaDome’s retractable structure offered a proven way to convert a seasonal pool into a true, four‑season facility without compromising the open‑air experience when weather permits. The solution aligned with our mission priorities, especially “prevent drowning.”
What are the benefits to your business as a result of this partnership?
Year‑round operations have stabilized aquatics revenue and expanded our scheduling capacity for lessons, lifeguard training and therapeutic programs. We’ve reduced weather‑related cancellations and improved program continuity, which strengthens member retention and staff utilization.
What are the benefits to your members as a result of this partnership?
Members now enjoy reliable, all‑season access to swim lessons, lap swimming, family swim and wellness program — rain or shine. The enclosure also supports seniors and those in recovery with consistent aquatic therapy options, and it gives youth athletes the continuity they need for skill development and team training.
Have you been pleasantly surprised by working with DynaDome in any way?
We’ve been pleased by how seamlessly the structure integrated into daily operations and how quickly the community recognized its value. The ability to transition between enclosed and open‑air settings has been more intuitive than expected, and members consistently comment on the improved experience. Most importantly, the year‑round availability has accelerated our mission outcomes in water safety and wellness, which is exactly the kind of pleasant surprise we aimed for.
What else can you tell other rec center professionals about the benefits of working with DynaDome?
Plan your timeline backward from the date you want to be open. Our schedule targeted Memorial Day 2025, and the design-permit-order-install sequence took approximately ten months end-to-end. Coordinate closely with your architect or engineer on permitting requirements to keep milestones on track. The team at DynaDome is first-class and a pleasure to work with.
