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West Side YMCA planning major expansion

A rendering shows the new aquatic center at the YMCA's West Side Aquatic Center.

Leaders of Knoxville’s West Side YMCA announced plans to double the organization’s footprint with a state-of-the-art aquatic center this week, kicking off the $8 million fundraising campaign just before the unofficial start of summer.

When complete, the campaign funds will go toward a 29,000-square-foot aquatic and wellness facility on the site of the West Side Y’s outdoor pool, expanded parking, a renovated program space and a new driveway, according to a news release.

The proposed items will depend on how much money is raised.

Tennessee Aquatics is partnering with the YMCA of East Tennessee for the project. When the project is complete, the collaboration will allow for masters and youth swimming training at all local YMCA branches and Olympic training at the new facility, according to the release.

“This a citywide partnership and we’ll work with Tennessee Aquatics on all the latest training and water curriculum. It’s going to be fantastic. Our menu of programs will go from introduction to the water through Olympic training,” Jim Dickson, CEO of the YMCA of East Tennessee, said in the release.

“We’ve known for a long time that we need to expand and this will allow for a higher quality experience for our members,” Dickson said in the release. “The West Side Y has been open for 50 years and it’s definitely had a lot of Knoxvillians go through its doors, learning to swim and playing in youth sports. Now it’s time to get ready for the next 50 years.”

About $2.4 million has already been raised for the project. The YMCA hopes to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony late next year, according to the release.

“This will enable us to take the next step in fulfilling our mission, which is really to help provide access to competitive swimming and its benefits to as many people as possible,” said Matt Kredich, head swimming coach at the University of Tennessee and executive director of Tennessee Aquatics.

A rendering shows the new aquatic center at the YMCA's West Side Aquatic Center.

“Right now we enjoy one of the best facilities in the country with UT’s Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center,” he said. “This will provide an additional facility with easy access that will allow us to expand our presence in West Knoxville.”

Marshall Goldman, chief executive officer of Tennessee Aquatics, said the group is excited because this isn’t “just a pool project.”

“Parents will now be able to spend that time taking a class or working out at the Y while their kids are at swim practice,” he said in the release.

Cost breakdown

The new aquatic center is projected to cost $5 million and will feature two pools with different water temperatures, a combined total of 20 swimming lanes, along with locker rooms and wellness space, according to the release.

The other $3 million for the project will go toward transforming the facility’s indoor pool into program space and adding a 3,000-square-foot children’s area and playground. The money also will be used to add at least 85 new parking spaces, according to the release.

The West Side YMCA plans to remain open throughout construction, according to senior program director Bekah Grace.