Stevens Point Area YMCA in Wisconsin recently broke ground on a new location that will increase community access to health and wellness opportunities. The future Waushara Community YMCA will open fall of 2026.
As the YMCA nears its fundraising goal of $15 million to open the new location, Ryan Zietlow, the president and CEO, said the project began with a powerful vision from Kyle and Lanie DeMars of the DeMars Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin.
“Their passion ignited a conversation that quickly grew into something bigger than any one person or organization,” said Zietlow. “The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin recognized its potential and reached out to me to explore how to make it a reality. From there, momentum grew. Community partnerships were formed, and support deepened through grassroots donations from both public and private entities — demonstrating a strong, shared commitment to bringing the YMCA’s mission to life in Waushara County.”
Project Details
The Waushara Community YMCA will feature several state-of-the-art facilities like a new pool, gym, track, fitness center, community support spaces and childcare.
“It will provide safe and enriching programs for youth and serve as a welcoming space for people of all ages to connect and grow,” said Zietlow. “The Y will also provide approximately 50 spots for licensed childcare, job creation, financial assistance programs, free or discounted insurance-based memberships and strong partnerships with local schools and organizations.”
The purpose for these specific programs is to strengthen the social fabric of Waushara County by promoting healthier lifestyles, deeper community ties and greater equity.
“The Waushara Community YMCA is more than a building — it’s a promise to future generations,” said Zietlow. “It’s a place where families can grow stronger, kids can discover their potential and neighbors can connect in ways that strengthen the entire region.”
Making the project unique is how public and private partners came together — alongside grassroots support — to build something meaningful. Zietlow said it’s a true reflection of what community can accomplish when we everyone is rowing in the same direction.
Creating Support
Zietlow said the grassroots movement behind the project is made possible due to relationship building in the community.
“Community development in rural communities can be difficult,” said Zietlow. “It truly takes everyone from all sectors to see the value and impact the project can have and rally around it. Our work at Stevens Point Area YMCA revolves around this concept. Everything comes back to relationships.”
Zietlow said a project of this size also requires a diverse capital stack to be successful. To raise $15 million in philanthropy from businesses and local donors in a small, rural community would be nearly impossible. He said the Y utilized funding from state and federal grants, private donations and new market tax credits.
Also, without a strong relationship with the local Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, construction would not have moved forward. “The Community Foundation was able to advocate on our behalf and share our story,” said Zietlow. “This allowed a much farther reach than just the Y alone expanding those that supported our project.
For other center leaders looking to fundraise support for large projects, Zietlow said you must find that key stakeholder who will invest their time, treasures and talents in making sure it crosses the finish line.
“For us, it was our lead donors, Kyle and Lanie DeMars,” said Zietlow. “Well beyond just their financial contribution was their gift of time and expertise in various portions of the process. It has been a great experience in working alongside them to see a transformational project pull off.”
