Foothills YMCA breaks Ground on New Facility

The Foothills Area YMCA broke ground on a new 31,000 square foot facility on Memorial Drive Monday afternoon. YMCA CEO Christle Ross told the large crowd gathered for the event on the campus of Oconee Memorial Hospital that this new facility will change lives. “It’s an incredible day for the Y. Our leaders, our partners, our donors, our communities, I know I hear the stories of people that have been doing this since the 1970s. People working weekends for the YMCA. The Y does so many things in the community and it is amazing that the Y can shape itself to do what the community needs it to do. That is what is truly unique about our organization is that we can shape and mold. We’re going to be able to do swim lessons for the kids and we’re able to do the swim team for the high schools. For the hospital, this is going to be an expanded access to fitness beyond rehabilitation. So, when they finish the program at the hospital they can come to us and we will be able to help them continue what they have started because it is such a shame to go through a rehab program and then go back and go back to the lifestyle that you were before and then possibly the habits that lead you to the condition that you had. So, we are looking at improving the health and fitness of our area.” The ceremony was capped off with a check presentation by Kyle Thomas, President and CEO of Blue Ridge Bank. “It has been a blessing to be a part of the Oconee County community and for the past 61 years this community has supported us, so on behalf on my Board of Directors, my staff, it is my privilege to present this check to Christle Ross and the YMCA for our donation of $50,000.” It is anticipated to take eleven months to construct the new facility.