A new 30,000-square-foot YMCA is set to be built in Wautoma, supported by $18 million in financing that includes $8 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation from Madison-based Forward Community Investments (FCI).
The facility, also known as the Waushara County YMCA, is expected to expand childcare availability by 40–60 slots in what officials call a designated childcare desert. It will also expand food access in a federally recognized food desert, serve an estimated 1,800 residents annually—about a quarter of whom are expected to be low-income—and create about 30 full-time jobs.
Plans include an aquatics center funded in part by lead donors Kyle and Lanie DeMars, which will provide water safety education and recreation opportunities.
The project’s financing package includes $10 million in NMTC allocation from Bremer CDE, with Old National Bank serving as the NMTC investor. Additional funding sources include a $4.25 million Wisconsin Non-State Grant, $500,000 from the City of Wautoma, $300,000 from the Otto Bremer Foundation, bridge financing from WoodTrust Bank, and philanthropic contributions.
The Stevens Point Area YMCA will serve as the partner location for the new facility, which is expected to provide expanded health, wellness, and community programming for Waushara County residents.
