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Star News TV
The Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA has completed design development for its planned facility near Five Points, Executive Director Brad Kinkema told the Henry County Board of Supervisors last week. The architect is preparing preliminary pricing, and the YMCA hopes to clear the site this winter and break ground in April or May.
The proposed facility includes an expanded pool, an outdoor splash park, basketball and pickleball courts, a playground, fitness and wellness areas, a walking track, child care and meeting space. Kinkema said the design has changed since his last presentation to the board, but its main features remain. More than $21.6 million has been secured toward a $28 million fundraising goal, including a recently awarded $1.25 million state Community Development Block Grant for the early learning center and proceeds from the planned sale of the YMCA's Starling Avenue property. The Lester Group agreed to buy the current building for $750,000 with closing scheduled for Dec. 29, and under the agreement the YMCA can remain there rent-free for three years while the new facility is built.
Kinkema asked the county to consider contributing $100,000 annually for the next four years, which he said would bring county support to $500,000 including a previous $100,000 contribution approved in May 2025. Supervisors took no vote on additional funding at the meeting. A study commissioned by the YMCA estimates the project could create or support 218 jobs during construction across a six-county area with $13 million in earnings, 44 jobs and more than $1 million in earnings once the new YMCA opens, and 163 jobs with $42 million in earnings over 10 years.
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