A Fun, Safe Space for Families to Explore
For James Atem, the Downtown Y is a bridge between his childhood in Sudan and the future he wants for his kids. “Back home, we didn’t have pools,” he says. “The water wasn’t safe, and we had to worry about crocodiles. I never learned to swim properly.”
When James enrolled his family in swimming lessons at the Y, it was a new experience for his children, who had never been in a pool before. “At first, they were scared, especially my youngest,” James explains. “But the instructors were so patient. They took their time, and now my kids love being in the water. They keep asking me when we can come back.”
The Y has given James’s family more than just water skills—it’s created lasting memories and strengthened their bond. And soon, thanks to the Heart of the City Campaign, families like James’s will have even more to enjoy. “The splash pad will go beyond our aquatic program offerings,” says Finlay McLandress, Manager of Aquatic Services at the Downtown Y. “It will be a fun, safe space where families can relax, play, and enjoy water together. That’s the role of the Y—to bring families together in a welcoming and inclusive environment.”
The Y is about so much more than learning to swim—it’s a place where families can connect, laugh, and have fun. “The Y gives us something we can all do together,” James says. “It’s safe, affordable, and it makes my kids happy. That means everything to me.”
The Heart of the City Campaign will enhance the Downtown Y’s aquatics offerings by adding an indoor splash pad, creating an inviting and versatile space for families to connect, play, and build water confidence. For families like James’s, this new amenity will offer a chance to relax and explore aquatics in a way that’s fun, accessible, and free of barriers.
James sums it up simply: “The Y has given my family a lot. These upgrades will mean even more kids can enjoy the water and feel safe—and that’s something every family should have.”
Through the Heart of the City Campaign, Y Winnipeg aims to add a splash pad for safe, inclusive family-friendly fun at the Downtown Y. You can help by donating to support the campaign.