Designed to Enhance YMCA Member Experience

Successful retractable enclosures at YMCA facilities reduce operating costs, increase membership, and create stunning all-seasons environments for the community’s enjoyment

Since its inception over 25 years ago, OpenAire has believed in building retractable enclosure solutions that serve not only leading businesses and clients, but also the communities of which we are a part. One of the ways we have been able to make this vision a reality is through ambitious cooperation with the YMCA, which has allowed us to build no less than twelve stunning, all-seasons enclosure designs that enhance YMCA members’ experiences in communities across the United States, while also reducing operating costs for YMCA facilities.

One of OpenAire’s earliest associations in cooperation with the YMCA happened when the 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. There was, however, real concern from members that an enclosure would block out the sunlight and create a dull, closed atmosphere for the pool. The management was therefore drawn to OpenAire because of our track record of creating reliable, attractive and customized operable enclosures. The OpenAire team delivered an aluminum framed retractable roof enclosure that let in the abundant California sun while providing shelter year round, thus alleviating all concerns from the members. The owners of the Mission Valley YMCA were extremely impressed with their pool enclosure: “Prior to covering the pool, we had very little winter usage, and only limited evening usage. We now have a full pool…our aquatic income has increased over 40% since adding the cover…OpenAire has made a big difference to our YMCA,” said Dick Webster, Executive Director of the Mission Valley YMCA. Other locations later began to incorporate retractable enclosures at their facilities. These include: the Clark County YMCAs in Clark County and Vancouver, WA; Toby Wells Missle Park YMCA in San Diego; Magdalene Ecke YMCA in Encinitas, CA; McGrath YMCA in Rancho San Diego, CA; Copley Price YMCA in San Diego; Woodruff Family YMCA in Milford, CT; Bolivar YMCA in Bolivar, MO; Round Rock YMCA in Round Rock, TX; and Spring Valley Splash Pad in West Norriton, PA.

OpenAire’s designs have been able to solve different challenges for different YMCA locations. As with each of our projects, our experienced designers and engineers have created unique, functional, and visually striking structures with our YMCA facilities, building enclosures for pools and other facilities that blend organically with the existing centers while creating a stunning new look. OpenAire’s signature thermally broken aluminum framed structures offer unbeatable durability, resisting corrosion from moisture and pool chemicals and thus reducing maintenance costs for each location. Best of all, each OpenAire design creates a vibrant, naturally-lit environment that opens to the sunlight of warm days, yet closes securely in less favorable weather. This dynamic enclosure greatly reduces the need for lighting, air conditioning and ventilation while offering YMCA members an authentic outdoor environment all year. These YMCA facilities have reaped the benefits of their designs with significantly increased facility attendance and membership.

At Mission Valley, the center’s revenue from aquatic activities has increased more than 40% since opening their new enclosure. In Connecticut, the Woodruff Family YMCA’s original goal when partnering with OpenAire was to bring in 2,000 new members in two years. Instead, their new facility brought in 3,000 new members in just a few months. OpenAire’s solutions have also greatly exceeded many other YMCA locations’ dreams. It’s no small wonder why our work has earned so many repeat customers.

At OpenAire we are committed to making every enclosure design the best it can be for our clients. That commitment has not only earned repeat business with several YMCAs, but has also provided a great benefit for the communities they serve. OpenAire’s customized, adaptable designs have given YMCA members across the nation aquatic spaces that can be used all year round, no matter what the weather outside. And with our lightweight, low-maintenance, durable building techniques, YMCA owners can operate their facilities reliably for years. That’s a solution that enriches the entire community.

Discover how OpenAire can contribute to your community at: openaire.com