Kids Zone is On the Move (Temporarily)!

As we begin an exciting renovation of our Kids Zone, we will be temporarily relocating the program to ensure we can continue providing a safe and engaging environment for your children.

Kids Zone will be CLOSED April 27th - April 29th as we transition into the Youth Gym. On Thursday, April 30th, Kids Zone will open in the Youth Gym on the upper floor. During this time, you may notice a few changes as we adjust to our temporary space. We appreciate your flexibility and support as we work toward creating an even better Kids Zone experience for your family.

Important Updates

Water Access: Water access will be limited in the temporary space. Please send your child with a labeled water bottle. Bottles should be pre-filled, or water needs to be provided for staff to assist with filling as needed.

Bathroom Procedures: Due to the location of restrooms and staffing ratios, we are adjusting our procedures in alignment with our child abuse prevention policies.

• If your child requires assistance in the restroom, a parent/guardian will be asked to assist. We will do our best to assist in any way we can, but the restrooms we will be utilizing are on the wellness floor due to proximity. Please inform staff if your child may need assistance. (examples: wiping, pulling up or down clothing)
• If a child does have an accident, parents will be called to assist.
• Diapering will be as normal. The diaper changing station will be upstairs in the infant area.

Access to Youth Gym: The stairway closest to the Youth Gym will be closed during renovations. Please use the elevator or the middle staircase near the pool to access the upper level.

Infant Area: A separate, enclosed space will be available for infants, accessible through a gate to ensure safe separation from older children. This area will include mats for comfortable flooring.

Activities & Play: While small toy availability will be limited, we will offer a variety of engaging activities, including:

• Large motor play equipment
• Ride-on cars
• Tumbling mats for crawling and movement
• Gym games
• Tabletop games
• Arts and crafts
• Personal belongings

Designated space will be available for backpacks, diaper bags, and strollers.

We are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible and continuing to provide a fun, SAFE, and welcoming environment for your children. If you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Be sure to bookmark this page on our website for the latest information. Thank you for your understanding and support during this exciting time!

Holly Hook
Youth & Family Program Director

Join Us as We Build a Stronger Y for All!

Dear Walnut Creek Y Members,

Good news! We are excited to announce that construction on our long-awaited Walnut Creek Family YMCA Revitalization Project is scheduled to begin in May! 

Thanks to an investment of federal funds, a commitment from the YMCA of Greater Des Moines and the support of our community, this $3 million project will result in a more modern, functional and welcoming facility that will serve your needs for many years to come.

Throughout the construction process, it will be important for members to know what’s happening and how their day-to-day use of the facility will be impacted. Here are all the ways to stay informed:

• A dedicated website where you’ll find a project overview, ways to donate, regular construction updates and announcements. Bookmark this site – you will want to return to it often!
• Social media posts and mobile app notifications
• Our monthly member newsletter and occasional emails
• Signage on the property and throughout the building

Our goal is to maintain facility access and functionality for members, with member safety our top priority at all times. With that in mind:

Beginning in May (exact date subject to the arrival of materials), member access to the facility will be temporarily relocated to the back/west side of the building to allow construction to begin on the new entrance and front of the building. Handicapped-accessible parking spots are being created near this temporary entrance. Please leave the closest parking spots for those who need them. Signs inside and outside the building will help guide you where you need to go during this first phase of construction. Check the website, social media and your YMCA mobile app for updates as we get closer to May.

We appreciate your cooperation and support as we embark upon this great adventure. When construction is complete at the end of 2026 (fingers crossed for no major delays, weather or otherwise!), we will have a beautiful YMCA facility we can all be proud to call home.

Questions, comments, concerns? Contact me by phone at (515)410-9842 or email jen.damge@dmymca.org.

Thanks for being a member of the Y. We hope you agree that there’s truly No Place Like This Place!

Jen Damge
Executive Director
Walnut Creek Family YMCA

P.S. We’re so close! We’ve already secured 75% of the funding for the Walnut Creek revitalization. We’d love for you to be part of the final push to bring this project across the finish line. You can help close the gap and make a lasting impact. Click here to make a gift!