The Y makes a big splash

by Sean McCarthy

With the opening of their new Splashpad attraction, the Swansea YMCA is offering families and kids a cool opportunity on a hot summer’s day.

Beginning in May, the addition of the Splashpad will provide members and guests with the chance to enjoy a fun outdoor experience that includes a variety of aquatic frolics such as sprinklers, a slide, and a bucket dump.

The Splashpad project is an example of the combined forces of a dedicated Y staff and a community that is supportive of the organization’s mission and goals. When the Swansea Y opened in 2015, there was the intention of constructing a world-class indoor pool. But during the initial planning phases, the project – like much of the world – was put on hold due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Two years later, the project is back on track, working with volunteers in the community to construct the opening of the first phase of the Aquatics facility: the Splashpad.

“The splashpad is an initial step towards the long-term goal of an indoor pool,” says Stephanie Mancini, Senior Executive Director of YMCA South Coast Swansea/ Fall River. “We’re showing the community that we can raise funds and we need their support in order to get to that ultimate goal. We do not have a date but we do have a lot of momentum especially now that the Splashpad is in full swing.”

The entire Splashpad project is estimated to cost $600,000, 75 percent of which has already been raised. Multiple fundraising opportunities are available at the Swansea Y. For $150, donors can purchase a brick that contains the name of the person or their family to be included in the patio that accompanies the Splashpad. Additional donation levels start at $1,000 and go as high as $25,000 and include other unique naming opportunities.

The Swansea Y is aware of the enjoyment that comes with a Splashpad. These installations have proven popular at the Hockomock Y in Franklin and the Attleboro Y in Norton.

Splashpads are environments that encourage interaction, giving families an exciting place to gather and meet, where parents can socialize and enjoy the outdoors while kids are playing and enjoying the water. Splashpads have universal accessibility for all types of physical abilities.

“I am beyond excited to see the Splashpad project come to life,” says Vanessa Levrault, Associate Executive Director for the Swansea Y. “This will be great for not only Swansea camp kids but Fall River as well. A Splashpad is an all-inclusive water playground that any age or ability can enjoy and cool off with. The Splashpad committee has worked really hard to raise the money for this project and I know it is something we are all proud of.” sea N MCCarthy has been a freelance journalist for 35 years. He lives in New Bedford.

Located on 36 beautiful acres, the Swansea Y offers a multitude of indoor and outdoor activities, including an adventure course, sports fields, archery, and specialty camps for dance, cheer, acro, and more! The brand-new Splashpad is the first step towards even more aquatic fun.

And fun in the water is only one of the summertime offerings at the Swansea Y. Each summer, their day camp, Camp Weetamoe, serves 120 children with fun activities like archery, along with a full adventure course that includes zip lines, a rock-climbing wall, and high and low rope courses. The campers also enjoy indoor activities such as arts and crafts.

The Swansea Y offers a variety of youth programs such as volleyball and basketball, as well as a Home School Gym Class which gives young people an opportunity to get their physical education in the company of other children.

Located on 36 acres of beautiful land.

The Swansea YMCA is home to the AXEL Dance Academy that includes 120 dancers five days a week, with a full recital at the end of the year along with performances in local competitions.

The Swansea Y Wellness Center offers top-of-the-line cardio and strength training equipment, and more than 30 free group fitness classes a week including Zumba, Yoga, and Body Pump. They have an indoor walking track, and a ¾ of a mile outdoor track, a full-sized basketball court, high and low rope adventure courses and outdoor state-of-the-art sports fields to play baseball, softball, soccer and beach volleyball. In addition to adult basketball leagues, they offer programming for school-aged youth along with a Kid’s Adventure Area and a playground, birthday parties, dance and sports opportunities.

South Coast YMCAs have volunteer opportunities in a variety of capacities such as After School Care as a mentor or tutor, Preschool Child Care, Coaching opportunities in sports such as basketball, flag football and swimming, and their Full Plate Project where volunteers help to sort, pack and distribute food to those in need.

YMCA Southcoast was founded in 1867 with the establishment of the New Bedford YMCA. The association has since grown to encompass six branches serving 18 communities throughout the South Coast. In addition to Swansea and New Bedford, there are locations in Fall River, Dartmouth, Wareham, and Mattapoisett. For more information, visit YMCASC.org.