Onslow County commissioners approve conceptual plans, cost estimate for New River YMCA aquatic center

The Onslow County Board of Commissioners voted April 21 to accept a cost estimate and conceptual plans for the New River YMCA’s planned aquatic center and wellness addition, moving the project to its next design and permitting steps.

The commissioners’ approval came after a presentation by New River YMCA representatives showing renderings for a 32,000-square-foot aquatic facility with two pools, plus a 5,000-square-foot wellness wing. Charlie Myers, identified in the presentation as YMCA CEO, described a family pool with shallow entry and a separate lap pool with eight lanes. Steve Wangeron and Billy Sewell, who joined Myers at the podium, told commissioners the full facility will total about 51,000–52,000 square feet when finished and is expected to open in September 2026.

“The aquatic center’s one component, but then we have the church, the old New River Life Church facility that we’re upgrading and gonna add space to,” Sewell told commissioners, adding the YMCA intends “a no debt philosophy on this total facility.” Sewell said the project will be funded by $14.5 million in grants provided by state and local entities, a $2.5 million U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant, and an ongoing private capital campaign aiming for $4 million (about half raised as of the presentation).

Project consultants said the YMCA has purchased the five-acre site for roughly $1,002,000 and has signed a construction contract with Atlantic Construction for $12.7 million, with contingency included. Myers described planned features including a family pool with shallow play area and splash features, an eight-lane lap pool, locker rooms, multipurpose rooms, a converted church sanctuary gym with a walking track and expanded youth development and wellness spaces.

Commissioners asked whether the family pool could be used for aquatic therapy; Myers and Sewell said the warm-water family pool is designed to be heated for therapy use when required. After the presentation, a commissioner moved to accept the cost estimate and conceptual plans; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. The board did not record a roll-call tally in the meeting minutes.

Proponents at the meeting emphasized youth programming and financial stewardship. Sewell said the YMCA is partnering with YMCA Enterprise Shared Services and Y USA to provide back-office support and keep operating costs manageable.

The YMCA team said the capital campaign totals about $20 million in project cost: $14.5 million in grants already allocated (state and local partners), $2.5 million HUD funding, and a private campaign to cover the remainder. They also said they plan an endowment to support the facility long term.

Commissioners did not attach conditions to the approval at the April 21 meeting. Next steps described by presenters include continued site work, permitting, and the construction timeline expected to reach substantial completion by September 2026.