The Need:
From a series of interviews and focus groups, including Kingsport Tomorrow’s Vision 2017 and its revisiting process, as well as market potential studies, issues facing the Kingsport area were identified and ranked according to their importance. The new YMCA facility will help address many of those issues including Health Status of Our Community, Quality of Life for Seniors, Uninvolved Youth, Acceptance of a Diverse Colmmunity, Chasm Between Poor and Middle Class, Retention of Young Adults, and Meeting Place for Youth. Recent media attention has also highlighted the critical need for more opportunities for physical activity in our families and youth.
With these issues as a backdrop, the need for our community to provide multiple opportunities for physical activity seems only natural. The need for an organization to provide those opportunities, regardless of someone’s ability to pay becomes even more critical.

While the entire YMCA facility that would provide for identified needs would include over 55,000 sq. ft., we will complete the project in phases. Our plan is to create an immediate presence in the community by leasing space for a Phase I facility which will include a gymnasium, workout space, and locker rooms. This will give us the opportunity to start immediately with expanding our programs and membership base. At the same time, we will begin the design and construction for Phase II. Phase II will be the permanent building, will include about 33,000 sq. ft., and will have an estimated project cost of $5million. It will likely include a warm water pool, senior/teen lounge (internet cafe), locker rooms (including separate rooms for private assistance for families, disabled, and seniors), aerobics and workout area, strength and cardiovascular equipment, indoor walking/jogging track, and child watch space.

Funds raised through Renewal! The Spirit Campaign will be applied to both Phase I and Phase II. Phase III, then, would follow with about 22,740 sq. ft. and could include the triple gymnasium, racquetball courts, additional aerobics space, and two additional locker rooms. The cost for Phase III would be approximately $2,750,000.

Phase I Size:16,000 sq. ft. (temporary location)
Phase II Size:33,000 sq. ft. (permanent location)