
Retractable Roofs for YMCA's
Today’s YMCA facilities are expected to do more than serve members, they must support community wellness, inspire donors, operate efficiently, and remain relevant for decades.
OpenAire partners with YMCAs across North America to create retractable roof aquatic and recreation environments that align with those goals. Our custom-engineered all-aluminum retractable roof systems transform traditional enclosed spaces into naturally ventilated, daylight-filled destinations that improve member experience while reducing long-term operational costs.
For more than 35 years, OpenAire has worked with YMCAs to deliver facilities that combine flexibility, sustainability, and long-term value. We understand the operational, financial, and community priorities behind every YMCA capital project.
OpenAire retractable environments help YMCAs:
- Reduce HVAC, dehumidification, lighting, and air handling demand
- Improve indoor air quality, comfort, and member wellness through fresh air and natural daylight
- Increase year-round utilization with indoor, outdoor, and hybrid seasonal operation
- Expand programming flexibility without increasing building footprint
- Lower lifecycle maintenance through corrosion-resistant aluminum construction
- Support sustainability initiatives and long-term operational stewardship
- Create inspiring spaces that strengthen donor engagement and community support
Our retractable roof systems allow YMCA facilities to adapt alongside evolving membership needs, wellness trends, and community expectations. By opening the roof, aquatic and recreation spaces become brighter, healthier, and more connected to the surrounding environment, creating experiences that encourage participation, retention, and long-term community value.
At OpenAire, we help YMCAs build more than facilities. We help create future-ready community destinations designed for wellness, connection, and lasting impact.

Transform Your Space
Unique YMCA Retractable Roof Solutions
Mission Valley YMCA
Mission Valley YMCA in San Diego, California was looking for a pool enclosure that would provide a warm, inviting, outdoor-style environment year round for members of all ages. the OpenAire team delivered an aluminum framed retractable roof enclosure that let in the abundant California sun. Since opening the center’s revenue from aquatic activities has increased more than 40% .

Scheu Family YMCA
This project is a great example of an existing outdoor pool that was changed to an indoor pool. The new aquatic center is a retractable roof enclosure that is 122’ x 101’ and includes 16 retractable roof panels and opening doors on all three of the side glass walls. The new enclosure which opens up on one side to the adjacent basketball court, is connected to the existing YMCA structure on one end.

Salinas Aquatic Center
The Salinas Aquatic Center Facility pool was in a fifty-year-old facility, and was in serious need of an update. Designed with OpenAire’s exclusive maintenance-free thermally broken aluminum framing system, the enclosure features an operable roof that can open up to 50% in good weather. The beautiful new Salinas Aquatic Center is a big hit with residents – and achieved its goal by receiving LEED Gold Certification.

Copley-Price YMCA
The Copley-Price YMCA offers year-round recreation with a retractable enclosure of 6900 square feet. This unique complex attained LEED GOLD status through its use of solar panels and OpenAire's retractable roof Aquatic Center amongst other unique materials and design elements.

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