Iowa town celebrates long-awaited natatorium completion
1 week, 1 day ago
Aquatics facility opens at Mahaska County YMCA after long work stoppage, two years after Carl A. Nelson took over project.
OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Community members and project partners gathered Sept. 12, 2026, to celebrate the grand opening of a newly completed natatorium at the Mahaska County YMCA, the result of years of planning, partnership and persistence.
“This is truly an historic day for our community,” Mayor David Krutzfeldt said.
The $7.4 million natatorium completion project, which started in 2024 after a lengthy work stoppage on the wet side of the new Y facility, included repairing and finishing the family pool, reconstructing the six-lane competition pool and completing the building enclosure.
The facility is a partnership of the City of Oskaloosa, Oskaloosa Community School District and YMCA, and was built with the support of business and individual donors to expand recreation opportunities for the community. Krutzfeldt acknowledged the setbacks and construction challenges that delayed completion. He credited community partners with helping restart the project and bringing in Carl A. Nelson & Company to provide construction management leadership.
Carl A. Nelson’s work began with pre-construction services to determine the extent of the issues needing to be resolved, working alongside SVPA Architects and Waters Edge Aquatic Design. During construction, the company also contributed its own crews for self-performed construction, focusing especially on concrete work in the competition pool.
“I see two incredible distinct pools that are built to serve the next generation,” Krutzfeldt said.
Mahaska County YMCA Board Chair Nicole Bryant recognized the organizations and donors whose support made the opening possible. She also thanked the construction team.
“We completely could not be in this position without your work and dedication,” Bryant said, addressing Carl A. Nelson team members. “We are excited to celebrate the grand opening of these pools.”
Project Manager Nick Liston of Carl A. Nelson & Company expressed appreciation for the partnership.
“We would like to thank the City of Oskaloosa, the Mahaska County YMCA, and its members for placing their trust in us and allowing us to be a part of this outstanding team,” Liston said.
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Founded in 1913, Carl A. Nelson & Company has been delivering quality, safety and integrity in the construction marketplace for more than a century. Providing services as design-builder, construction manager and general contractor across a range of market sectors including recreation, the firm is focused on Delivering Quality and Building Trust for clients, which earns the company an opportunity for repeat and referred business.
Top, the six-lane competition pool at the Mahaska County YMCA will be home to the Oskaloosa High School swim teams, as well as the Y's own youth swim program, the Dolphins. Above, the heated family recreation pool features space for lap swimming, a built-in sauna, zero-depth entry ramp, handicap accessibility and a splash zone. Carl A. Nelson photo
Families got the chance to enjoy the recreation pool and splash pad following the Mahaska County YMCA's ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 12, 2026, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Carl A. Nelson photo
Representing Carl A. Nelson & Company at the ribbon-cutting were, from left, President Chris Smith, Project Superintendent Bob Stutes, Project Manager Nick Liston, Business Development Director Aaron Engberg and Project Engineer Doug Mertens. Carl A. Nelson photo
A behind-the-scenes look at the mechanical equipment keeping the pool water filtered and ready for swimmers. Carl A. Nelson photo