The Zanesville/Muskingum County community has not had a replacement public/community indoor pool or recreation facility since the old YMCA, located on South Fifth Street in downtown Zanesville, was demolished 30 years ago. It is hard to find another city in Ohio the size of Zanesville that does not have such a facility. Over the years, several attempts have been made to secure such a facility through tax levies, bond issues and private means; however, these attempts have been unsuccessful due to the expense of such a project as well as disagreement over where the facility should be located.
The most recent talk of constructing an indoor pool was approximately four years ago when the Y conducted a feasibility study and raised some funds for an indoor pool and gymnasium. Those interviewed for the feasibility study indicated that they would support an indoor pool project, and that the Ohio University Zanesville Campus would be an ideal location for such a facility due to its central location (neither north or south) as well as its easy access from all areas of the county. The feasibility study also showed that the Y would not be able to raise enough funds to build the proposed pool and gym on its own, nor would it be able to operate the facility without supplemental support.
The Muskingum Recreation Center project partners, Ohio University Zanesville, Genesis HealthCare System, Muskingum County Community Foundation and the Y are committed to making this project a reality and believe there is no better time than the present.
The partners have made the following pledges to the Muskingum Recreation Center:
$500,000 from The Muskingum County Community Foundation,
$500,000 from The Muskingum Family Y,
Equipment and Membership from Genesis HealthCare System,
Littick Hall and Amenities from Ohio University-Zanesville.
Confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.
