New Lift Makes YMCA Pool Accessible to Everyone
Randy Davis is pictured using the lift for the first time with assistance from Lifeguard Deb Rief. (submitted image)
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Mahaska County YMCA Board of Directors and staff members have made facility improvements a top priority including ADA accessibility and safety improvements. These were considered crucial during a recent assessment and while setting goals of what first to address. The Y applied for and received grants from the Mahaska County Community Foundation and Wal-Mart to support these priority projects.
“It has been a long process,” said Ryan Harkema, Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Director. “We started obtaining quotes on (pool) lifts in November 2010. It took some time to decide on the best fit for our pool and needs. After making our lift selection, we submitted the grant applications. That was in the spring of 2011. Then, we had to sit back and wait for the lift to arrive. Waiting for it to arrive and knowing how badly it is needed was the most difficult part.”
After the lift was received, Industrial Commercial Insulation (ICI) assisted the Y by building a wood block for the lift to sit on. The block was built to the specs provided by the lift company. The Y is currently training many of its staff members proper lift use and procedure.
“The lift is portable but ‘portable’ is a relative term,” said Dawn Collins, Executive Director. “It is heavy and difficult to maneuver.”
The lift is already being used on a scheduled basis and can be set up for use any time. “When we know someone will use it, we will set it up in advance,” said Harkema. “For example, we know Randy’s schedule and we will have the lift set up and ready for him.”
Randy Davis, a member of the Y since July 2007, has multiple sclerosis. This disease has impacted his mobility to the point that using a wheel chair is necessary. Davis can exercise muscles in the water that would not be exercised at all otherwise and is at the Y and in the pool three times weekly.
“I joined the Y to use the pool because I need the exercise. I can do things in the water that I can’t do on land,” said Randy. “It is impossible for me to climb steps to get in and out of the water without assistance. The lift will make access to the pool safer and easier for many people. I thank Dawn and the Y for making this a priority. I thank MCCF and Wal-Mart for the funding,” said Davis. Davis has been the president of the South Central Center for Independent Living (CIL) Board of Directors for about 3 years. The CIL will help to raise awareness about the lift so that more people will be able to access the pool.
For more information about programs and services, call the YMCA at 641.673.8411.
