This sign at the construction site includes an architect's drawing of what the new facility will look like. With their symbolic goldplated shovels in hand, YMCA officials will break ground Tuesday on the longawaited new $4.6 million Cherokee County YMCA.

Cherokee County YMCA CEO Mike Goforth, board member Sissy Brock and National YMCA representative Bernie Whitson will be among the featured speakers at the 10 a.m. event.

The new 45,000-squarefoot facility will include a gymnasium, fitness center, water park, 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. The site plan includes space for future construction of an indoor swimming pool and racquetball courts.

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 new YMCA, located on Whelchel Road, is expected to open this summer.

Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony culminates years of planning, but not the fundraising effort. Goforth said the initial capital campaign secured about $1.7 million in donations. The campaign’s second phase will begin shortly. Part of that campaign will include the selling of donor bricks.

Yeargin Potter Shackelford is the project’s general contractor.