The last hurdle to starting development of a new Waukee YMCA was cleared last Friday with a donation of land by the Broderick family.

“We have been working on the planning for several years,” said Vernon Delpesce, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines, adding that the nonprofit organization is “very, very thankful” to the Broderick family for donating the 10-acre site, located north of U.S. Highway 6 and west of North Warrior Lane.

With 73,000 square feet, the new YMCA will be the second-largest in Greater Des Moines, next to the flagship downtown facility, said Delpesce. He said the membership is outgrowing the existing 28,000-square-foot Waukee branch, which opened in 2001 and is attached to Waukee High School.

“It’s been a wonderful partnership,” Delpesce says, but rapid growth at both the YMCA and the school led to the need to find an alternative. “It has all worked out very well,” he added.

Two swimming pools, including an eight-lane, 25-yard competitive pool, will be among the amenities at the new YMCA. It will also include a family center, family gym and conversation areas.

Construction of the $14 million development begins this week. A fund-raising campaign will be conducted to help finance the project, expected to be completed in October 2009.