Early Childhood And Recreation Center Looking For 2020 Ground Breaking

A conceptual drawing of the new early learning and YMCA facility in Oskaloosa. (image provided)

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Oskaloosa City Council met on Monday, September 16th, 2019 inside the Council Chambers of Oskaloosa City Hall.

The council heard from SVPA Architects about the future of the early childhood development and recreation center project and what amenities it would contain.

The site selected for the project is east of the current Oskaloosa Elementary School and will face primarily to the east, with primary access coming off of Green Street.

The Early Learning Center would be along the south side of the complex, and parking would use the southmost access along Green Street.

The YMCA would be on the north side of the building.

A little more than 88,250 total square feet is the total building size, with 58,420 square feet will be designated towards the YMCA, while just under 30,000 square feet will be designated for early learning center use.

Future expansion of the facility has been integrated into the current design. That included the potential expansion of another full-size gymnasium to the north of the proposed building and expansion of wellness and community rooms.

There is also expansion possible for the early childhood center from the classroom wings.

Included in the plans are two swimming pools. One of those pools is a recreational pool, while the other is a competition pool.

A splash pad is also incorporated into the recreation pool area. The recreation pool area will range from 2.5 feet deep to 4.5 feet deep. The competition pool will range in depth from 4.5 to 9 feet deep and includes six lanes and seating for 250 spectators.

The facility would include a full-size competition gymnasium with two cross-courts.

There are plans for two racketball courts in the facility.

The early childhood development center begins with preschool for 3-year-olds that will be included in the early childhood development wing of the building.

For the outside of the building, the new structure will complement and tie into the national park structure themes that have been a part of the complex since it’s inception.

John Lacey, Oskaloosa US Congressman, was instrumental in the development of the National Park system and is the namesake of the Lacey Complex.

The Oskaloosa City Council approved the plans and specifications for the new early learning center and YMCA facility.

A spring of 2020 groundbreaking is planned.