March 27, 2025

New YMCA Facility Planned for Carolina Forest Community

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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.