Construction Updates
May 2025 Prairie Summit YMCA Update
Construction activity has picked up pace this spring, and if you’ve driven by lately, you’ve likely noticed a flurry of progress. Two different types of cranes are currently on-site, skillfully setting precast concrete panels around the competition pool and locker rooms—a major milestone in shaping the facility’s form.
You may have also spotted some variation in the color and texture of the panels. That’s no accident! The onyx-colored panels feature a 3-dimensional finish, achieved by using a form liner during the concrete pour. These panels will remain exposed on the interior of the building, adding depth and design to the space. Just beneath them, the lighter gray panels will eventually be covered with a wood slat system, providing a warm, finished aesthetic.
In addition to the building itself, site coordination efforts are well underway. You might have noticed a temporary shift in the bus route for Prairie Heights Elementary. This adjustment was made to accommodate the start of the roundabout construction, which kicked off this spring—strategically timed before school lets out for the summer. And for a few lucky students, the new route offers a front-row seat to daily construction progress—a real-life look at a community project taking shape!
Despite a soggy start to spring, progress continues to rise—literally. Crews have been hard at work on the elevator shaft, giving the project its first strong visual presence on-site.
Work is also wrapping up on farm field improvements, supporting both the current building and future site development. Additionally, the two deep-water surge pits—critical to the competition and play pools—are now complete. On the west side, crews are prepping the parking lot, which now features newly installed LED light poles to brighten the way forward.
April 2025 Prairie Summit YMCA Update
March 2025 Prairie Summit YMCA Update
Spring has sprung, and so has our progress! With warmer temperatures and longer days, crews are making great strides on-site.
Over the past month, deep foundations around the competition pool were completed, and work is now underway to waterproof and backfill the excavation. This week, crews also poured the concrete floors for the two surge pits and the pump room, laying the groundwork—literally—for the pool’s operations.
Exciting milestones are just around the corner! Precast wall samples have arrived on-site for review before full production kicks off, and more crews are gearing up to join the action. In the coming weeks, masons will start stacking the elevator shaft, and plumbers and electricians will jump in to bring the building’s inner workings to life. Stay tuned—things are really starting to take shape!
February 2025 Prairie Summit YMCA Update
Mother Nature seems to have taken Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction to heart, extending winter well beyond February 2nd. Since then, contractors have been battling snow, high winds, and bitter cold temperatures, which have slowed progress on-site.
Despite the challenging conditions, crews have continued installing the water main and fire hydrants whenever weather permits. They remain optimistic that next week’s forecasted temperatures will hold, allowing them to resume foundation work and keep the project moving forward.
January 2025 Prairie Summit YMCA Update
While it may seem like there hasn’t been much visible progress on-site this winter, a significant amount of work has been happening beneath the surface to prepare for construction.
Over the past couple of months, contractors have installed nearly 400 aggregate piers to stabilize the ground where the building will eventually stand. In addition, they’ve completed the installation of several thousand feet of subgrade drainage tile and storm sewer structures in the parking lot. Concrete bases for the site’s light poles have also been set, laying the groundwork for future lighting.
Excavation is now underway for the water line loop, which will service the building and the new fire hydrants. In the coming week, contractors will begin digging and installing concrete footings and foundation walls in the northeast corner of the building. Click here to learn more about the entire project.
