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Martinsville-Henry County YMCA seeks $500,000 from Henry County toward $28 million facility
Summary
The Martinsville-Henry County YMCA presented plans for a $28 million facility that would include pools, early learning spaces and courts, and asked the Henry County Board to consider a $500,000 contribution; the board said it will consider the request during budget deliberations.
The Martinsville-Henry County YMCA requested a $500,000 county investment toward a proposed $28 million community facility during a presentation to the Henry County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 28, 2025.
Brad Kinkerman, director of the Martinsville-Henry County YMCA, outlined a plan for a seven-acre site on Memorial Boulevard that would include two pools, an early-learning center licensed for up to 94 children, multiple courts including pickleball and basketball, a splash park, fitness areas and multipurpose rooms. Kinkerman said the YMCA plans two pools so local swim teams and lesson programs can run simultaneously.
Kinkerman said the project has secured $12 million from the Harvest Foundation and $5 million from a community fundraising campaign. He also said the YMCA is expecting a $2 million federal allocation through Representative Griffith’s office (pending federal budget action) and has applied for planning grants and other foundation funding. The YMCA director asked the county to consider a $500,000 contribution, noting the splash park would be open to city and county residents.
Board members asked how the splash pad would be monitored and how the early-learning center would allocate slots. Kinkerman said patrons would enter through the YMCA building and either scan a Y membership card or show proof of residency; he described a fee schedule that charges a modest per-visit fee for residents and a higher fee for non-residents. Kinkerman said the early learning center uses an application and enrollment process, accepts social-services-based tuition assistance for roughly 30% of current participants and also offers additional financial assistance for families who do not qualify for state help.
A county staff member noted the board has committed some solar savings agreement funds to immediate capital needs in the current year and said staff would review what remains available. Kinkerman said the YMCA hopes to start construction in about 18 months and is spreading fundraising commitments across multiple years.
No formal county appropriation or vote to commit funds occurred during the Jan. 28 meeting; the director requested the board’s consideration as the county enters budget season.
Kinkerman’s presentation and the board’s questions were part of a larger review of informational items during the meeting; staff and supervisors said budget deliberations this winter will consider multiple capital requests.
