A New YMCA: Strength for Kingsport’s Families

Kingsport is already a strong and thriving community. So why does it need a YMCA?

A Safe and Friendly Family Center

Unlike many cities of similar size, Kingsport has no recreational center. No community center. And few places for families, teens and young parents with infants. At the YMCA there are programs for everyone — from infants through seniors.

• Mothers with infants and toddlers can take part in workouts and classes while their little ones are happily engaged in a safe, supervised Child Watch program.
• Afterschool programs and open gym hours mean tweens and teens have a supervised haven where they truly belong.
• And families with limited means know that they and their children can work out, play, attend camp and more -- without sacrificing monthly bills or necessities.

The new YMCA will be more than double the size of its temporary home -- big enough to grow. With new space, the Y will increase its fitness programs, youth programs, sports, summer camps, and more. Most importantly, the YMCA’s programs will be available to all, regardless of income level.

Swimming Pool.

The new Y will include Kingsport’s first indoor “family” swimming pool. Designed for both exercise and fun, it will be home to year-round swim lessons, family swims, therapeutic activities and more.

A Gym, “Group Cycling” Center, and Large Group Exercise Room.

Thousands of square feet of exercise space will house year-round sports and fitness activities for adults, teens and youth. From aerobics to climbing to yoga to pick-up basketball and organized youth sports, the Y will offer something for everyone.

Fitness Center, Weight Room, and Youth Fitness Arcade.

Already, the temporary facility’s fitness spaces are overcrowded. At the new facility, greatly expanded space will allow for membership growth — and specialized programs for at-risk populations such as teens, seniors, and recovering cardiac patients.

Expanded Child Watch.

The YMCA already offers high quality supervised Child Watch for infants and toddlers. This service is critically important to young parents who are seeking a family-oriented fitness option and will be expanded in the new facility in order to serve more families.

Outdoor Playing Fields.

With outdoor space available, the new Y will expand its camp programs and offer outdoor activities.

Easy Accessibility.

Built adjacent to the Kingsport Greenbelt (near mile marker #2), within seconds of major retail centers, the new YMCA will be accessible by foot and bike as well as by car. The plan for a new YMCA facility is only the beginning. In fact, the YMCA has extensive plans for even more facilities, to be built in coming years. An indoor lap pool, racquetball courts, and additional gym space are among the ideas for future expansions in the master plan.