Rockwall, Texas, August 20, 2025
News Summary
The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA in Rockwall plans a $5.2 million renovation and expansion, aided by a $500,000 donation from HomeBank Texas for the natatorium. This project will enhance program capacity, improve safety, and provide year-round access to aquatics and fitness services in a rapidly growing community. Enhancements include a new exercise studio, updates to the aquatic center, expanded parking, and increased availability of aquatics programs, coinciding with the YMCA’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebration.
Rockwall, Texas — The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA in Rockwall has unveiled detailed renovation and expansion plans as part of a $5.2 million capital campaign by the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, with a major $500,000 donation from HomeBank Texas designated for the facility’s natatorium. The project is intended to expand program capacity, improve safety and comfort, and increase year-round access to aquatics and fitness services in one of the nation’s fastest-growing counties.
Key renovation and funding announcement
The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas released a new rendering showing upgrades to the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA. The work is included in a broader $5.2 million capital campaign aimed at renovating and expanding facilities across North Texas to meet rising demand. HomeBank Texas has contributed $500,000 toward the Rockwall renovations, securing naming rights for the renovated natatorium. A formal presentation of that donation is scheduled for October 11, ahead of the YMCA’s planned 50th anniversary celebration this fall.
Planned upgrades at a glance
- New exercise studio: Additional dedicated space for fitness classes and group exercise.
- Updated aquatic center: Improvements include winterization of the roof and exterior walls for year-round pool use, a new changing room, and general upgrades focused on comfort and safety.
- Expanded parking lot: More parking to improve access for members and guests.
- Expanded aquatics access: Planned enhancements are intended to increase availability of water safety programs, swim lessons, and recreational swimming opportunities.
Timing, anniversary and community context
The announcement coincides with the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA’s upcoming 50th anniversary this fall. The facility first opened in 1975 and has served as a long-standing resource in Rockwall County for youth development and healthy living. Rockwall County has been identified as one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, increasing local demand for recreation, aquatics, and community programs.
Funding and partnerships
HomeBank Texas’s $500,000 contribution will support natatorium renovations and carries naming rights for the future renovated space. The bank has a history of supporting YMCA programs, including a prior $15,000 donation to the YMCA’s Angel Camp for children with special needs. In recognition of ongoing volunteer leadership, HomeBank’s Chief Lending Officer was previously named the YMCA’s Volunteer of the Year.
Local leadership and program goals
District leadership at the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA has publicly expressed appreciation for the HomeBank Texas donation and emphasized that the renovations are intended to strengthen high-quality programming and expand access to aquatics and fitness services. The scope of improvements is intended to enhance safety and comfort while allowing the YMCA to serve more residents through lessons, water safety training, and recreational opportunities.
Connections to broader YMCA work
The Rockwall project follows recent major renovations at a YMCA facility in South Dallas, part of a wider effort by the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas to modernize facilities and respond to growth across North Texas. The capital campaign funding is being allocated across multiple sites to update aging infrastructure and expand space for programming.
What comes next
Formal presentation of HomeBank Texas’s donation is planned for October 11. The YMCA will proceed with planning and construction steps consistent with campaign timelines; specific construction start and completion dates have not been released publicly. Community members can expect phased work designed to minimize disruptions to existing programs where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What renovations are planned for the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA?
The planned renovations include a new exercise studio, updates to the aquatic center such as roof and exterior wall winterization for year-round pool use, a new changing room, safety and comfort upgrades, and an expanded parking lot.
How is the renovation being funded?
The renovation is part of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas’s $5.2 million capital campaign. HomeBank Texas has donated $500,000 toward the Rockwall natatorium project and secured naming rights for the renovated pool area.
When will the donation be presented?
A formal presentation of the HomeBank Texas donation is scheduled for October 11, ahead of the YMCA’s 50th anniversary celebration in the fall.
Will the natatorium carry a name associated with HomeBank Texas?
Yes. The $500,000 contribution from HomeBank Texas includes naming rights for the renovated natatorium.
How will the renovations affect programs?
The upgrades aim to increase capacity for swim lessons, water safety programs and recreational swimming, and to provide more space for group fitness and community activities.
Does the YMCA have experience with similar projects?
Yes. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas recently completed major renovations at another facility in South Dallas and is using lessons from that work in planning Rockwall improvements.
| Feature | Expected Benefit |
|---|---|
| New exercise studio | More space for fitness classes and group programs |
| Updated aquatic center (roof/exterior winterization) | Year-round pool use; improved safety and comfort |
| New changing room | Improved convenience and privacy for users |
| Expanded parking lot | Better access and reduced congestion for members and guests |
| Increased aquatics programming | More swim lessons, water safety courses, and recreational swim times |
| HomeBank Texas donation ($500,000) | Funds natatorium upgrades and secures naming rights |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NBC DFW: Rockwall YMCA Undergoing Major Renovation
- Rockwall Herald Banner: HomeBank Texas Boosts Rockwall YMCA Expansion
- Rockwall Herald Banner: City of Rockwall Purchases Historic Church Building
- Wikipedia: YMCA
- Google Search: Rockwall YMCA
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