Gaston County YMCA seeks $200,000 contribution toward $13.5M expansion on county's east side

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. ' Sharon Padgett, CEO of the Gaston County Family YMCA, asked the Gaston County commissioners on Sept. 19 to consider a $200,000 contribution toward an expansion and renovation of the Stowe Family YMCA on the county's east side.

Padgett said the campaign goal is $13,500,000 toward a broader $15.7 million project that will include an outdoor water park, a new multipurpose family gym, expanded youth and senior spaces, outdoor pickleball courts and additional parking. She said the YMCA has raised $12,600,000 to date and an anonymous donor has offered a $1,000,000 matching gift; with a county contribution, Padgett said the impact would be amplified.

"Our campaign goal is $13,500,000 and I'm happy to share that today we have raised 12,600,000," Padgett told the board; she asked commissioners to "consider a $200,000 contribution to this campaign." The fundraising shortfall and the donor match were cited as reasons the county's support would leverage additional private funds.

Padgett said construction will begin on certain outdoor features in about two weeks and the YMCA's renovation plans include more than 37,000 square feet of updated facilities and new programming space.

Why it matters: The YMCA serves families, youth and senior residents across Gaston County; the project aims to expand recreational and programming capacity in a growing area near Caromont Belmont Hospital and other economic development activity.

What's next: Padgett requested the board's consideration; no formal vote on a county contribution was recorded during the meeting.