Plum Creek supports pool renovations at the Piscataquis Regional YMCA
DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Piscataquis Regional YMCA recently finished some exciting renovations to the pool and deck area of the Olympic-sized indoor pool. With a very generous grant of $15,000 from Plum Creek and matching donations from many individuals and businesses in the forestry industry, the team at the Y has been able to invest over $35,000 in renovations to the aquatic area. These renovations include replacement of two feet of tiling around the entire pool, new pool grates around the pool, a new chair lift, repair of lane lines, replacement of the pool heater, a new vacuum and painting of the pool.
Photo courtesy of PRYMCA
PLUM CREEK CONTRIBUTION — Tom Hall, from the Plum Creek Timber Co., presents PRYMCA CEO/Executive Director Deb Boyd with a check in support of the pool renovations at the Y in Dover-Foxcroft.
The Y received more than $35,000 in grants and donations to complete the much needed work around the pool. The funding was led by a $15,000 challenge grant from Plum Creek Timber Company. The challenge was for other leaders in the wood-products industry to donate to the Y with Plum Creek matching dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000. Meeting this challenge was a wide range of local funders. The charity fund of the Maine Community Foundation also supported the pool work with a generous grant.
According to Deb Boyd, CEO/Executive Director of the PRYMCA the support was very appreciated and timely. “We can’t thank our donors enough for their support! We are celebrating our 25th anniversary in our facility on Park Street and much of the equipment and infrastructure is in need of updates or renovations. Our ongoing commitment is to be a community centered organization and to meet the needs of our members and residents in our regional area. These renovations, and others like them, help us to ensure that the Y will be here for another 25 years to continue to support and strengthen our community!”
Boyd states that unfortunately, the Y did face some challenges with the pool work. “The paint for the new paint job in the pool failed to adequately adhere to the surface of the pool and soon after being refilled with water, the paint began to bubble and flake off. The surface preparation and cleaning, paint application, and drying all exceeded the manufacturer’s recommendations,” Boyd said. “And we were obviously very disappointed with the results. We drained the pool and removed the peeling paint for the comfort and convenience of the swimmers and plan to repaint again in 2014.”
Boyd said the manufacturer has analyzed the paint chips from the pool to determine what might have caused the failure and to make appropriate recommendations to correct the issue for future painting.
“Despite our challenges, this is a very exciting time at the YMCA,” she said. “We are in the process of reinventing ourselves based on the needs and desires of our community, and it is so rewarding when we have the opportunity to update our facility to match our ongoing vision.”
To demonstrate this commitment, Boyd invites everyone from the area to come and enjoy a swim in the pool on the first Friday of every month as a free gift to the community. Please contact the Y for pool hours, 564-7111.