On a warm July evening, a crowd gathered at the Northumberland Family YMCA to witness a milestone decades in the making. Children laughed in anticipation, community leaders smiled with pride, and local partners celebrated as the ribbon was cut for the new DynaDome at the Brent Family Aquatic Center. With the final panel locked into place, the county’s only recreational pool was no longer at the mercy of the seasons. It had become a year-round oasis for health, learning, and connection.
Described by YMCA leaders as transformative, the retractable DynaDome enclosure turns the outdoor pool into a facility capable of hosting programs rain or shine, snow or chill. It is the first commercially installed structure of its kind in Virginia—and it offers more than water sports. For a rural community with limited recreational options, it represents expanded access to wellness and lifesaving skills.
“The demonstrated usage of our pool seasonally, combined with changing circumstances and ongoing community needs, sparked action,” said Allison Cockrell, Executive Director of the Northumberland Family YMCA. “We needed to cover our pool so we could serve more.”
Access to swimming and water safety is especially critical in a county bordered by nearly 600 miles of shoreline. For children ages five to 14, drowning remains the second leading cause of unintentional death.
Since 2012, the YMCA has provided free swim lessons to nearly 2,000 second-grade students from Northumberland and Richmond Counties, equipping them with vital skills that can prevent tragedy. The pool has long been a hub of activity from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but its seasonal schedule made it challenging to accommodate the community’s needs while also offering aqua aerobics classes and recreational swim time for members.
Emergency responders and local businesses have used the pool for training as well. The Callao Volunteer Fire Department uses the facility to practice water rescues. Ocean Harvesters employees, who previously had to travel outside the county for winter training, can now prepare for their off-season training closer to home. Previously, by the time the YMCA pool opened, Ocean Harvesters employees were already deep into their fishing season. The new facility now gives watermen the chance to train safely and build essential swimming skills year-round.
The DynaDome itself is a marvel of design and function. Its retractable panels open in warmer months to let in sunlight and close during colder seasons to protect swimmers. The structure withstands local snow, wind, and other weather conditions, while offering flexible operation in minutes. Beyond its practical benefits, the pool includes six competitive-length lanes and a new slide, further enhancing family-friendly recreation.
The pool’s 25-yard length and modern facilities now offer the space and consistency needed to support competitive swimming. With year-round access, the Northumberland Family YMCA can foster the formation of high school swim teams, bringing an exciting new sport to the area and giving students opportunities to develop athletic skills, teamwork, and school pride.
The journey to this milestone was marked by vision, perseverance, and collaboration. Ellen Cowart, chair of the DynaDome capital campaign, recalled the early days of the project.
“The pool has been in operation seasonally since the Northumberland Y opened its doors in 2012. Every summer it is very vibrant and busy,” Cowart said. “I went on the advisory board 13 years ago, and the first question I asked was, ‘Are we going to get this pool covered?’”
She remembered a defining moment that helped propel the project forward. “I was at a function where a speaker said, ‘If you want something bad enough, you have to talk about it,’” Cowart said. “I looked over at Mason Brent and said, ‘There you go.’ That advice stayed with us.”
Despite skepticism, Cowart never gave up. “I was told it would never happen. But with the dedication of Mason Brent, Edee Withers, and many community supporters, we made this dream a reality,” she said.
Donors and partners played an essential role in bringing the project to life. Contributions came from the The Cabell Foundation, Ocean Harvesters, DynaDome, and grassroots efforts like “The 100 Club,” which encouraged local supporters to pledge $500 annually. The Brent family’s generosity is recognized in the naming of the aquatic center, cementing their legacy.
“The DynaDome is not just a new roof over a pool,” said Adam Klutts, CEO of YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas in a recent interview. “It is about breaking barriers to health, expanding opportunities for families, and creating a space where young people can grow, learn, and thrive all year long.”
With construction complete and programs fully underway, the Northumberland Family YMCA is opening new doors for the community. Aquatic group exercise classes, recreational swim, competitive swim teams, and school programs now operate year-round, transforming the pool into a vibrant gathering place for families, students, and local organizations.
Here, swim lessons, family time, and life-changing programs unfold every day, fostering water safety, health, and connection across the county. More than a facility, it is a legacy in motion—serving the community not just today, but for generations to come.
For more information about the DynaDome and the Brent Family Aquatic Center, visit http://ymcavp.org/dynadome/ The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas has been strengthening communities for more than 126 years. Its 18 facilities engage more than 50,000 people across the region, promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility for all ages, incomes, and backgrounds.