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YMCA outlines summer camp and affordable swim lessons at Kiwanis Park and Steve Benko Pool
Summary
Margaret Riley, executive director of the YMCA, told the New Canaan Parks & Recreation Commission the YMCA will run Kiwanis Camp Waikai at Kiwanis Park through 2026 under its current lease and will continue swim lessons at the Steve Benko Pool, while providing financial assistance and inclusion services.
Margaret Riley, executive director of the New Canaan YMCA, told the Parks and Recreation Commission on April 19 that the YMCA will continue operating Kiwanis Camp Waikai at Kiwanis Park through the current lease period and will provide swim lessons at the Steve Benko Pool.
Riley said the Y’s lease for Kiwanis Park runs through the summer of 2026 and that the Y uses roughly one-third of the park — the back area farthest from the entrance. “The summer of 2025 will be our seventieth summer at Kiwanis Park,” Riley said, noting the camp serves children roughly ages 6 to 15 and runs two-week sessions from June through mid‑August, with about 60 campers per session and an option for an extended day for working parents.
Riley described program and safety details the YMCA provides: swim lessons available at no extra charge after an initial evaluation; boating, archery, river walks and other outdoor activities; summer employment for youth (about 70 positions in 2024); and support services for campers with varying abilities. “Last summer, we had 42 campers with varying abilities attend our camp, and the Y provides a summer camp aid to children with special needs at no additional cost,” Riley said. She added the YMCA provides roughly $50,000 annually in financial assistance to campers; about 40 campers typically receive support.
On swim instruction, Riley said the Y will continue its three‑year partnership at the Steve Benko Pool to offer affordable lessons for ages 6 months to 12, from parent-child classes through stroke work for older children. She described the pool program as “lifesaving and lifelong” and said lessons are offered “essentially at cost,” with instructors, lifeguards and registration handled by the YMCA.
Commission staff and Riley discussed the contract timeline. John (staff member) confirmed the current agreement runs through 2026 and that negotiations for a follow-up contract are likely to begin next year. Riley said the Y’s enrollment for camp was approximately 80 percent full at the time of the meeting and that the organization plans minor maintenance and volunteer cleanups at Kiwanis Park in coordination with town staff.
The presentation did not include any formal commission action on the lease or budget. Riley identified Margot Sullivan as the onsite contact for logistics and said the Y will coordinate the standard pre‑season walk‑through with town staff.
