Harvey Peeler

The contrast in weather was as stark as the difference between the former and new YMCA facilities.

On a cold, blustery December morning, Cherokee County YMCA officials, local dignitaries and members, broke ground for the new facility.

Seven months later, many of those same people braved a sultry July morning to officially celebrate the opening of the new spacious family YMCA in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday.

“We went from one (temperature) extreme to the next and to a cramped building to the other extreme,” YMCA Chairman of the Board of Directors Sissy Brock told the gathering, some of whom attempted to keep somewhat cool by standing under an overhang or by fanning themselves with the official program. “After years of planning, now we see the dream of the county has come true.”

Brock then touched on the spiritual mission of the new YMCA.

“This is a safe and Christian place,” she said. “It’s for the wellness of the body, spirit and mind.”

In a light-hearted moment, Cherokee County YMCA Chief Operating Officer Mike Goforth glibly announced the exact year, month, day, minute and second from the conception of the new YMCA to its grand opening.

The new facility on Whelchel Road has 34,000 square feet of indoor space, plus a 16,000-square-foot water park. The old facility located on the Limestone College campus was about 17,000 square feet.

Though the new YMCA lacks an indoor pool, a standard-size basketball gymnasium and an expansive wellness center that includes a full range of cardio and weight training equipment more than makes up for it.

County residents apparently are in agreement. Goforth said he’s received 300 membership applications since the facility opened for business July 12.

Burnie Whitson, who represented the national YMCA organization at the ceremony, emphasized the Y’s importance to the community.

“This is a place of hope,” Whitson said. “From all ages, ethnic backgrounds and economic backgrounds, this is a place to grow and better a community.”

The final speaker, State Sen. Harvey Peeler, was in a celebratory mood, boldly claiming the county is now home to the newest and best YMCA.

He also stressed the Y’s role as a quality-oflife component in economic development and the need for county residents to financially support the YMCA.

After the ceremony, YMCA staff provided guided tours of the new facility.

By Larry Hilliard, “The Gaffney Ledger”