🚧 Groundbreaking: Stowe Family YMCA

The Gaston County Family YMCA Board of Directors recently approved the start of the highly anticipated Stowe Family Y renovation and expansion project. The project has been in the planning stages for five years and has been vetted by more than 1,000 members of the Y and community.

What's next: Groundbreaking is slated for Thursday, September 5, 2024 at the Stowe Family YMCA located at 196 YMCA Dr, Belmont, NC 28012.

• Construction is expected to be completed within two years.

• However, work on the outdoor Aquatic Park will be accelerated for completion by Memorial Day of 2025.

By the numbers: The expansion will add more than 15,000 square feet of new space and will renovate 36,000 square feet of the existing facility, which was built 25 years ago. Highlights of the $13.5 million project include:

• Outdoor aquatic park with 6 lane pool, slide tower, and splash zone

• New Family Wing with expanded child watch facilities, classrooms, and event space

• New multi-purpose half-court gymnasium

• New Chapel and expanded community gathering space

• Expanded (87% increase) exercise and wellness space

What they're saying: “This project underscores the Y’s commitment to provide modern, state-of-the-art facilities to improve the health, wellness, and quality of life for all members,” said Campaign Co-Chairman John McGill.

“The Stowe Family Y campaign team has already raised over $12 million toward our $13.5 million goal, says Campaign Co-Chairman Mick McMahan. In a significant boost to complete fundraising efforts, an anonymous donor has pledged to match all new donations, up to $1,000,000, doubling the impact of every new contribution.”

Executive Director Mary Moffitt added, “With less than $1.5 million left to raise, we are on the verge of transforming our vision into reality, thanks to our community’s outstanding support and the generous matching gift from our donor.”

“The Stowe Family Y offers more than 50 programs and will be able to serve over 10,000 residents in the rapidly growing eastern Gaston County area once the project is completed, added Gaston County Family YMCA CEO, Sharon Padgett. Together, we’re making a difference in the lives of everyone who walks through the doors and building a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community for generations to come.”

For more information on the campaign, or to schedule a tour, contact Mary Moffitt at 704- 822-9622, ext. 272, or via email at mmoffitt@gastonymca.org