The Williams YMCA of Avery County will receive $4.5 million from the state budget to support the development of a new 18,000 square foot branch in Spruce Pine.
The new YMCA branch, which will be developed in partnership with Mayland Community College, will feature renovated construction with a wellness center, child development center, group exercise studios and aquatics center with two pools.
Up to five full time and 50 part time jobs will be created initially. The Y hopes that construction plans will be finalized late this year with construction beginning in spring of 2022.
“The YMCA is a valued community partner,” said Sen. Ralph Hise. “Providing childcare so parents can go to work, mentoring for teens who are especially struggling coming out of the pandemic, programs for seniors to fight social isolation and stay active and support for those struggling with chronic diseases in our community– these are all essential needs that the Y meets.”
The Y has had a presence in Mitchell County since January 2020 when it opened an outreach office in partnership with the AMY Wellness Foundation. The Y provides a variety of evidence-based health programs as well as community outreach and support from this wellness office.
“This support ensures the success of this project to serve and improve the well-being of children, families and seniors in the community,” said Trey Oakley, CEO of the Williams YMCA. “The Y is a place for everyone in Mitchell County and surrounding communities to feel welcome and supported. We’re eager to move forward with development of the new Y to continue to expand how we support everyone in the area”
Williams YMCA Board of Directors Chair John Blackburn said the need for a Y is great in the community to help meet the Mitchell Wellness Initiative.
“We need a safe place for kids to go during out of school time, a place they can be fed, a place with more opportunities for children and families to be active and we need options to support our active older adults aging in place,” he said.