JER Chilton YMCA at Rockwall Selected to Receive $500K Challenge Grant Opportunity to Renovate Facility

 The Y must raise additional funds in community support to unlock funds.

ROCKWALL, TX (March 30, 2026) — The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall is moving forward with a strategic fundraising initiative to replace and expand the natatorium’s roof. To accelerate its $5.2M capital campaign, the Y has been offered a $500K challenge grant from the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation.

To unlock the Mabee Foundation’s funding opportunity, the Y must raise $892,670 in additional community support by January 13, 2027.

Meeting this challenge will provide the final momentum needed to modernize the branch’s most heavily used spaces, ensuring the Y remains a central point of healthy living, safety, and a place for all. Rockwall County is the second fastest-growing community in the nation, making this update critical for residents.

“We are deeply grateful for the early momentum and generous support we’ve had to jumpstart this project,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. “We’re on the path to creating a more robust Y for North Texans. We invite the rest of our community and neighbors to join us in crossing the finish line to provide a YMCA experience that is equipped for the future.”

The capital campaign focuses on three critical areas of the branch designed to improve accessibility and expand programming capacity:

● Natatorium Transformation: The project will rebuild and winterize the roof and exterior walls, allowing for year-round use of the pool. Enhancements include a new changing room and upgraded safety features to support water safety programs, recreational swim and competitive swim sports.
● New Group Exercise Studio: To meet the increased demand for wellness programs, a new studio will be added to allow for expanded class offerings and more opportunities for members to connect through fitness.
● Parking Lot Expansion: Accessibility will be significantly improved with an expanded parking footprint to accommodate the growing number of families and individuals visiting the branch daily.

From life-saving swim lessons to senior wellness initiatives, the planned updates ensure the facility remains a safe and welcoming “third space” for all.

“The Y has been a place of belonging for my family for over half a century,” said Brett Packer, Member of the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall Board of Managers. “It’s time to ensure it remains that place for another half-century and beyond. When you support this renovation, you’re investing in lives, in memories, and in a community united by shared values of service, faith, and belonging.” To donate to the J.E.R. Chilton Family YMCA at Rockwall and help meet the challenge grant, please visit the following link.

Submitted press release and photo,  JER Chilton YMCA. 

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