Rachel Hoskins - rhoskins@thefranklinpress.com
The Mitchell County YMCA is moving one step closer to realizing the dream of having a state-of-the-art facility in Mitchell County. With funding secured, the Y and Mayland Community College (MCC) are finalizing plans for a ground-breaking ceremony at the Three Peaks Enrichment Center on Nov. 3, which will pave the way for the construction of the YMCA. The new Y will emphasize community health, aquatics, and youth development programs.
“This ground-breaking ceremony marks a significant step in the Y’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of the community,” said Trey Oakley, chief executive officer to the Williams YMCA of Avery County.
For the past two years, the Mitchell County YMCA has served as a community hub, providing essential programs and services designed to improve community health, nurture youth development, and encourage social responsibility. The Y currently provides after-school services in Mitchell County, Parkinson’s and arthritis management and food delivery.
“In partnership with Mayland Community College, the new facility, made possible through the generous support of our community, will significantly enhance the YMCA’s ability to serve the residents of Mitchell County in these vital areas,” said Oakley. The facility will be located on property owned by Mayland Community College at the Three Peaks Enrichment Center, formerly home to the Pinebridge Coliseum.
Oakley said in 2019 the Y conducted a feasibility study which included a local survey that returned more than 1,200 responses.
“The overwhelming need was for an indoor aquatics center, second was youth development opportunities and third was programming aimed at preventing chronic disease and community health,” said Oakley. “Residents from birth to end of life benefit from YMCA programs, from the child development center to Aging in Place programs and food delivery. Gaps to be bridged are access to wellness programming, safety around water, achievement gap, and an all-around community hub to name a few.”
The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Friday, Nov. 3, at 2 p.m. at the Three Peaks Enrichment Center. Construction on the Y is set to begin in March 2024 with an anticipated opening in the summer of 2025. Members of the community, local leaders, donors and representatives from the Mitchell County YMCA and MCC will gather to celebrate this occasion, which signifies a significant investment in community health, aquatics, and youth development.
Key highlights of the collaborative project include:
• Cutting-Edge Aquatic Center: At the heart of the facility, a state-of-the-art aquatic center will feature an Olympic short course lap pool, a recreational splash pool, and water-based activities for all ages. Swimming lessons, aquatics fitness classes, and water safety programs will be central to the offerings.
• Community Health and Wellness Hub: The YMCA’s commitment to community health will be showcased through an expanded fitness center and wellness programs. Modern exercise equipment, group fitness classes, personal training and health education programs will be available to help community members of all ages achieve their health and fitness goals.
• Youth Development Spaces: Youth programs with enhanced with dedicated spaces designed to foster growth, learning, and leadership among our young people. A dedicated child development classroom, splash pool and other amenities will directly focus on impacting the lives of youth.
• Community Engagement: The facility will serve as a hub for community engagement and interaction. It will feature community gathering areas, meeting spaces, and social lounges, encouraging residents to connect and collaborate, strengthening the bonds within our community.
“The Mitchell County YMCA and Mayland Community College extend their deepest gratitude to the community for their unwavering support, making this transformative collaborative project a reality,” said Oakley. “Through this new facility, both organizations remain committed to their shared vision of enhancing community health, providing exceptional aquatics programs, and empowering the youth of Mitchell County to become leaders of tomorrow.”
Oakley said this $15.3 million project would not be possible without the leadership of Dr. John Boyd and Mayland Community College, Sen. Ralph Hise, the Samuel L. Phillips Family Foundation and AMY Wellness Foundation, who assisted with significant funding for the project. Approximately $15.2 million in funding for this project has been secured.
“The Avery YMCA Board of Directors and Mitchell County board members Van Phillips, Keith Holtsclaw, Courtney Mauzy and John Wilson have been instrumental in making this a reality for Mitchell County,” said Oakley.