The New Canaan YMCA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously Wednesday night to do the roof work needed to preserve and maintain the Valles Pool, officials say.
In an email sent Thursday to members and shared with NewCanaanite.com, CEO Margaret Riley said that “after an extensive and comprehensive review of many factors including community feedback,” the Board decided to keep the 46-year-old pool.
The decision follows “careful evaluation, discussion, and community input,” Riley said.
“We recognize that the process created strong emotions and uncertainty for some, and we appreciate the passion demonstrated by these members of our community,” she said. “The central theme of these discussions—and what we should carry forward together—was how meaningful the YMCA community and experience are for our town. Whether you come to the Y to swim, dive, play sports, stay active, or connect with friends, the New Canaan YMCA is where our community comes together, and that’s something we should all embrace, celebrate, and nurture moving forward.”
News that the Y Board was studying the Valles Pool with an eye on deciding whether to preserve the facility as-is or change it broke in mid-May. At that point, Riley communicated out that the Y was examining the aging pool, while many members voiced support in favor of maintaining it, even creating a website dedicated to their cause, printing ‘Save the Valles Pool’ T-shirts and planning a peaceful protest. This week, town officials said they’d heard from many concerned residents and were monitoring the situation closely.
Riley said that the Y’s discussion was mission-driven.
“[W]e examined facility and program needs, usage patterns, staff input, regular member feedback, community priorities, and the significant investment required to address the aging Valles building,” she said in the letter. “We also heard from many members, residents, and community stakeholders who shared thoughtful perspectives about what the Valles Pool means to them and to the broader New Canaan community.”
It isn’t clear just how long the Valles Pool will be closed while the work is done—early estimates ranged from one to two years—or when that work will begin. Riley said in the letter: “We understand the inconvenience this will create and as always, will work diligently to minimize disruption.”
“We will share timelines and project updates as soon as they are available,” she said. “This project represents a significant investment for our YMCA, and it’s been encouraging to hear how many feel passionate that it’s a worthwhile investment for our community.”
Another Win for New Canaan residents!!!!
This is wonderful news. Preserving the Valles Pool and committing to the necessary work is the right outcome, with emphasis on mission and community meaning coming through clearly in the announcement.
I plan on making a donation to the Valles Pool fundraiser, and I hope that there is strong financial support from all of those who pushed to see this happen. It would also be encouraging to see the town explore ways to contribute, given how essential Valles is for the high school swim and dive teams. The town has supported other community assets in the past, including a recent $1 million contribution to help complete the New Canaan Library project, and this facility serves an important need as well.
Thank you to the NC YMCA Board of Directors for listening to the community and responding so quickly. This positive response will and should bring you additional financial support for this important decision. All ages are grateful and pleased.
With approximately 7100 households in new canaan a donation from each household for this effort would be a huge win for our children, young adults and adults. Especially our youth who face so many obstacles in today’s society. A fund raising effort should be set up. Kudos to the community for persevering and the board ultimately listening to the wishes of the community.