NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (PRNewswire) — A new $3.1-million-aquatic center will be constructed at the Northern Neck Family YMCA next year.
Groundbreaking for the 8,000-square-foot indoor center and 5,000-square-foot outdoor family pool took place today at the site, located at 39 William B. Graham Court in Kilmarnock. The Northern Neck Family YMCA is a branch of the Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA.
"Volunteers have worked diligently over the past few years to share the need and raise the funds to construct an aquatic center that will be accessible to everyone," said Adam Klutts, CEO of the Peninsula YMCA. "The facility will allow the YMCA to continue delivering our important second grade 'Safety Around Water' program, and provide all persons – from the youngest infants to the oldest active adults – a place to improve their fitness, learn to swim, play together as a family and enjoy the benefits of working out in the water. If we save one life because of this aquatic center and the programs offered by the YMCA at this complex, it will be worth it."
"Residents of the Northern Neck are surrounded by rivers and waterways, so it is critically important that we have an appropriate venue for children and families to learn to be safe in and around the water," said Paul Sciacchitano, who led the volunteer campaign for the project.
"The aquatic center will be named in honor of the Monroe Family of Irvington, who were major donors for the project," noted Sciacchitano. "The Monroe Family Aquatic Center, dedicated by Doug and Kit Monroe, will be a unique center in the Northern Neck and surrounding regions, providing a legacy of water safety, water fitness and water play to people of all ages for generations to come."
The indoor center will include:
- A six-lane, 25-yard pool designed for competitive swimming events for club, high school and masters swim teams
- Deck seating for 150 people
- An ADA accessible ramp into the pool
- A large shallow end for water aerobics, therapy, learn-to-swim and other programs offered by the YMCA
- A deep end for competitive swimming starts and lifeguard certification programs
- Perimeter gutter design for a cleaner pool and less turbulence for competitive swimming.
According to Mark Favazza, the center executive for the Northern Neck Family YMCA, Pauline 'Pim' Montgomery of Heathsville is a lead donor for the outdoor facility that will be named in her honor.
"Pim has a passion to support young families and says the smiles and laughter of children provided the motivation for her commitment to the project," said Favazza. "She gave so all children in our community will have access to the fun and benefits of the water and learn water safety in a beautiful and welcoming setting."
Amenities of the Pauline "Pim" Montgomery Family Pool include a "beach-style" entry to make it accessible for even the youngest child. A double-turn, two-story tall water slide with a safe splashdown area will provide fun for children and adults of all sizes and shapes. Fenced for safety and designed with beautiful green spaces, the outdoor area, complete with lounge chairs and shaded tables, will provide a fun and accessible water space where families can play and enjoy time together.
Guernsey Tingle Architects of Williamsburg will serve as the design firm for the entire aquatic center complex, and Connemara Corporation of the Northern Neck will serve as the general contractor. The project is expected to be complete by late August 2019.
"We are pleased to have regional and local firms involved in a project of this scope," noted Sciacchitano. "This YMCA complex, housing The Monroe Family Aquatic Center and the Pauline 'Pim' Montgomery Family Pool, will become a meaningful family destination and provide people of all ages with enjoyment, opportunities to improve their fitness and learn water safety."
Information about donating to the aquatic project is available by calling the Northern Neck Family YMCA at 804-435-0223.
