YMCA on track to build Evans facility

YMCA officials say they are gearing up to build an Evans family recreation center in Columbia County.

"From day one, the goal has always been to build a full facility," said Dan McConnell, the president for the Family YMCA in the CSRA.

The Marshall Family YMCA at 4534 Washington Road in Evans is a leased facility that operates fitness activities for adults and children and programs through partnerships within the county.

McConnell said the next step for Columbia County is getting a piece of land to build a new facility, which will be called the Columbia Countywide Family YMCA.

"We're hoping to get a tract of land donated," he said, adding that the new center will feature some of the same amenities as the Wilson Family YMCA at 3570 Wheeler Road in Augusta, such as basketball courts, fitness rooms and swimming pools.

Before such a facility can be built, McConnell said, the YMCA must have support from the community.

"You have to get in and build support before you can go into a facility, because the funds to build, that comes from the community," he said.

A capital campaign fundraiser for the $7 million project could start within 18 months, he said. For more information, call McConnell at 922-9601.