The MidAmerican Energy Aquatic Center: A Catalyst for Community, Competition, and Economic Growth
Downtown Des Moines is making waves this weekend! We're kicking off the start to this year's swim meet season with our “Spooktacular” Swim Meet hosted at the Wellmark Y, October 17-19. Over 200 youth swimmers are expected to participate in this fun-filled meet.
The MidAmerican Energy Aquatic Center at the Wellmark YMCA is an example of what a community infrastructure can achieve when design excellence, public-private partnership, and civic vision align. This isn’t just another pool, it’s a regional investment in health, safety, and economic vitality. Through its Olympic-caliber design, inclusive programming, and proven capacity to attract visitors and events, the Aquatic Center is one of Central Iowa’s most dynamic community assets.
World-Class Design, Built for Flexibility
At the heart of the facility is the Prairie Meadows Pool, a 50-meter, 8-lane competition pool that converts seamlessly to 19 short-course lanes. Adjacent to it is a 25-yard program pool designed for swim lessons, therapy, and community fitness. With seating for 1,200 spectators and proximity to hotels, restaurants, and other downtown amenities, the Center was built to host major regional and national swim events while maintaining daily community access.
Access and Inclusion: From Swim Lessons to Olympic Dreams
The YMCA has long been America’s swim instructor, and this facility dramatically expands that mission. Thousands of children and adults learn life-saving water skills each year through YMCA programs and community partnerships such as Safety Around Water.
At the same time, the Center serves as a training and competition venue for local, regional, and elite athletes. Hosting events like “Spooktacular” brings swimmers from various towns and states to Des Moines. From toddlers taking their first strokes to athletes chasing Olympic dreams, the Aquatic Center embodies opportunity for all.
Economic and Civic Impact
Beyond recreation, the facility is an economic engine and source of civic pride. Major events generate hotel stays, restaurant traffic, and tourism revenue, supporting local businesses and enhancing downtown vitality.
Moreover, access to high-quality aquatic fitness supports long-term public health goals, reducing chronic disease risks and improving wellness across all demographics. This is the essence of smart community investment, where health, equity, and economic benefit intersect.
A Shared Legacy
The MidAmerican Energy Aquatic Center stands as a beacon of what’s possible when vision meets partnership. It is a living reminder that every great community invests not just in infrastructure, but in people, health, and opportunity.
Check out these short videos below to hear more about the MidAmerican Aquatic Center's impact on the region: