The Northern Lights YMCA's campaign for a new aquatic center in Escanaba cleared a major fundraising hurdle Monday, Aug. 10, when officials announced that a $2 million matching challenge from the John and Melissa Besse Foundation had been fully met by community donors.

Then came a second boost: the Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation pledged a new $500,000 matching grant, Salo told WLUC.

"We're very excited about that because what that means is we now have a gift from the John and Melissa Besse Foundation for a total of $2,000,000," associate executive director Caron Salo told WLUC.

The Besse Foundation's commitment, first announced in April, was structured as a $1 million leadership contribution paired with a $1 million matching challenge meant to spur community giving. That match is now complete.

The overall capital campaign goal stands at $7.5 million, the minimum the YMCA says it needs to build the facility. As of late April, about 68% of that target had been raised, according to the Escanaba Daily Press, including a $1.75 million USDA grant.

The new pool will replace the YMCA's aging facility, which WLUC reported is located on the Bay De Noc Community College campus. That pool was built in 1990 and has exceeded its expected lifespan, according to the Daily Press. Once complete, all aquatic programming will move under one roof.

Sara Barron, a 25-year YMCA member who said she originally joined because of the pool, told WLUC the consolidation would be simple: "Good exercise and oh, we're all going to be in one building."

According to WLUC and the Daily Press, designers plan a zero-depth-entry lane that allows users to walk in gradually, whether on foot or using mobility aids such as water wheelchairs. The facility will also incorporate UV water sanitation technology to reduce reliance on chlorine, and it will serve as a regional hub for lifeguard certification and search-and-rescue training.

Campaign co-chairs Scott Herioux and Ray Lamarche, both longtime YMCA board members, are leading the community fundraising phase with nearly 60 volunteers reaching out to businesses and individuals across the region, according to the Daily Press. The Kobasic Foundation, a private philanthropy based in Escanaba that distributed nearly $1.9 million in grants in 2024 according to public filings, has now added its own challenge to the mix.

Construction is expected to begin sometime in 2027, WLUC reported. Residents who want to contribute can visit www.nlymca.com or call the Delta Center at 906-789-0005.