By Stan Welch
Site preparation is well underway on the Pickens County YMCA facility in Powdersville, and actual construction is slated to begin on August 24, with completion and the grand opening scheduled for spring of next year.
William “Buddy” Corn, project manager for the general contractor, Roebuck Buildings, explained that the building will be built using a combination of methods and materials, with the main frame and roof structure built of prefabricated metal elements. The facility will include a full size basketball court, with a divider to allow for the use of two separate half courts.
There will also be wellness room, a community room, a multi-purpose room, an aerobics facility, a nursery and child watch room, a small kitchen, various offices, a steam and sauna room and men’s and women’s locker rooms and showers, with separate facilities for adults and children.
The current phase of the project occupies approximately ten acres of a thirty acre site, leaving adequate room for a future aquatic center. Sid Collins, CEO of the Pickens County YMCA, explained that the facility is still in the fund raising and planning phase.
He also explained why the Pickens County YMCA is building a facility in Anderson County. “Right after World War II, the YMCA was enjoying a remarkable boom, and they needed a way to charter the various chapters. They chose to do it by counties. As time went on, it became clear that the method was far from satisfactory since people seeking our services readily crossed county lines. In the 80s, we switched to zip codes as a designator, but the existing organizations retained their names. So the Pickens County YMCA serves eastern Pickens County and northern Anderson County.”
He also explained why the Rural Development Authority, of the USDA, is assisting in financing the new ‘Y’. “The RDA acts as a bank, loaning money at a very competitive rate. The purpose of the RDA is to develop rural communities and help them gain access to services that would be readily available in a more urban setting. Since the building itself, aside from anything else, will cost right at four million dollars, RDA’s involvement is essential.”
Collins said that the community response has been more than expected. “We are so gratified by the response of the Powdersville community, and so very happy preparing to serve this area. It has been a very encouraging atmosphere.”
