R. W. Houser YMCA

Onalaska, WI

As the La Crosse Family YMCA’s membership grew, a second facility was needed. Using donated land, Onalaska YMCA was able to provide a new $8.2 million, 74,000-square-foot building funded by many generous donations.

An inviting central lobby has expansive windows overlooking the aquatic complex, a six-lane pool with zero-depth entry with two-story waterslide. Passing by the front desk, members walk down a central hallway, with multiple access points to the second story and family, youth, and adult locker rooms. The Wellness Center features a 1/8 mile walking and jogging track suspended over one gymnasium, a fitness studio.

The building was designed to accommodate future expansion, and in 2014, work began on a 54,247-square-foot addition. The new addition includes a second gymnasium, Gymnastics Center, fitness studios, an expanded running track as well as an expanded Wellness Center. In 2023, a warm pool, sauna, and steam rooms were added.