Officials could 'begin moving dirt' for new $4.2 million facility by late March

A groundbreaking ceremony could take place this spring for a new $4.2 million Cherokee County Family YMCA. This drawing shows how the front of the new building will look. After four years of planning, the Cherokee County Family YMCA is on the verge of building a new multi-million dollar building on Whelchel Road off Highway 11.

Greenville contractor Yeargin Potter Shackleford will provide the YMCA with a maximum cost for building the facility by late January. CEO Mike Goforth said the YMCA is in discussions with banks to secure financing for the $4.2 million project.

"It's possible we could begin moving dirt for a new YMCA in late March if everything comes together," Goforth said. "We are thankful to everyone in the community who has supported our efforts. Without the community's support, this project would not be a reality."

A capital campaign has raised $1,653,744 in donations to date. Plans are to sell the current YMCA to Limestone College, which will continue to allow YMCA members to use the indoor swimming pool.

The Spartaburg architectural firm McMillan Smith did the drawings for the new YMCA. McMillan Smith designed the new Gaffney High football stadium.

Construction of the 45,000-square-foot YMCA will take 12 to 14 months.

The project will include a gymnasium, fitness center, water park, a teen center and multipurpose rooms to expand programs offered for children and senior citizens.

Outdoor recreation fields and a walking trail will be built around the YMCA, Goforth said. The site plan includes space so an indoor swimming pool and racquetball courts can be built in the future.

"We just don't have the money to build an indoor swimming pool and racquetball courts at this time," Goforth said. "We are using a concept called 'design build' where the contractor and architect work together on the drawings in an effort to save money. As an incentive, the contractor will be able to increase their profits by helping us save money on the cost of building the YMCA."

An outdoor water park with interactive elements is one of the unique features at the new YMCA. The park includes a water slide, sprinklers, playground equipment and an aerobics area.

The 11-acre Whelchel Road site will provide additional space for outdoor sports fields. Due to lack of space, Goforth said, the YMCA is currently limited in its ability to offer recreational sports for children.

"This is an exciting time for the YMCA," Goforth said. "A stronger membership will allow us to do more in the future. We are just thankful for the community's support and hope people will consider becoming a member."

If you are interested in donating to the new YMCA, call Goforth at (864) 487-7556.