News Summary
The Coastal Carolina YMCA is planning a new state-of-the-art facility in the Carolina Forest area, potentially featuring an Olympic-sized pool. This $40-$45 million project aims to enhance community health and wellness, offering various amenities including gymnasiums and childcare services. Local officials are also emphasizing necessary infrastructure improvements to accommodate increased traffic. A public forum is scheduled for residents to share their feedback and stay informed about this significant community development.
Carolina Forest Community Eyes New YMCA Facility with Olympic-Sized Pool
The Coastal Carolina YMCA is set to embark on a revolutionary project that promises to transform community health and well-being in the rapidly expanding Carolina Forest area of Horry County. Plans have emerged for a state-of-the-art YMCA center, which may include an Olympic-sized swimming pool to cater to the burgeoning needs of this growing community.
A Vision for Community Wellness
The proposed YMCA facility is strategically planned to be situated near the intersection of Augusta Plantation Drive and River Oaks Drive, a prime location to serve the residents of Carolina Forest. The initiative is expected to be completed by the end of the decade, aiming to provide comprehensive services for all ages and interests within the community.
At an estimated cost between $40 million and $45 million, the budget has been earmarked to evenly split between the construction of the main building and the accompanying natatorium. The facility is set to feature a sprawling 20,000-square-foot natatorium, designed specifically to support large swimming programs and potentially draw in sports tourism to the region.
Infrastructure Improvements Underway
Recognizing the surge in population and traffic demands, local officials have pointed out the necessity for enhanced infrastructure. Planned improvements include the widening of River Oaks Drive along with the completion of the S.C. Highway 31 interchange, crucial for accommodating increased traffic flow resulting from the new facility.
In conjunction with the YMCA, Tidelands Health has announced plans to develop a separate medical facility on the same property, coordinating efforts to bolster community health services and promote a healthy lifestyle among residents.
A Comprehensive Range of Amenities
The YMCA facility promises a wealth of amenities beyond the pool, which will include gymnasiums catering to basketball and volleyball, dedicated fitness rooms, and various community service offerings. This diverse range of services showcases the YMCA’s commitment to meeting the local population’s varied needs, particularly emphasizing childcare services, which will incorporate a preschool to accommodate younger families.
Community engagement has been at the forefront of this planning process, with a local advisory board formed to guide program development. In a recent community meeting, feedback was gathered to address concerns regarding traffic, clearcutting, and the environmental impact of the construction.
Timeline and Public Involvement
While the excitement around the proposed YMCA is palpable, it is important to note that the project is still in its preliminary stages with no finalized construction timelines or budget estimates. A public forum is scheduled for April 9 at 6 p.m., giving residents the opportunity to voice their opinions and gain insights into the development plans at the South Atlantic Bank located at Carolina Forest Boulevard and River Oaks Drive.
As the Coastal Carolina YMCA embarks on this ambitious journey, community leaders and local residents are encouraged to remain involved and engaged in the conversation, ensuring that the new facility meets the needs of those it aims to serve. The YMCA’s CEO has articulated a vision where every community deserves access to its various services, truly embodying a commitment to delivering health, fitness, and social welfare to Carolina Forest.
With operations planned for seven days a week and shared parking facilities with Tidelands Health, the new YMCA facility holds great promise for not just improving community health resources but also fostering a dynamic hub for recreational and social engagement in one of Horry County’s most vibrant communities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Carolina Forest Prepares for New Developments and Traffic Changes
Whittemore Park Middle School Construction Begins
Exciting Developments in Conway, S.C. as YMCA Plans Expansion to Benefit Local Community
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Carolina Forest YMCA Olympic Pool Facility
- Wikipedia: YMCA
- My Horry News: A YMCA Could Be Coming to Carolina Forest
- Google Search: YMCA news
- WPDE: YMCA New Homeschool Swim Gym Program
- Google Scholar: YMCA programs
- My Horry News: Myrtle Beach YMCA Fundraising Drive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: YMCA
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
