YWCO buys property in Oconee County
Oconee County residents may have more recreation choices in the near future after YWCO took the tender first steps toward an intended expansion by announcing the purchase of a large tract of property in near Butler's Crossing across from Briarwood Baptist Church on Hog Mountain Road near Oconee County High School.
The property in questions has been the subject of a rezone application before the Oconee County Planning Department before the recent deadline for the next meeting, but has yet to be accepted. The YWCO would like to build a fitness and aquatic center targeting the needs of families and seniors, according to a recent press release.
"We have discussed this expansion for several years and believe that our mission and abilities will well serve the need(s) of Oconee County," said Dave Hudgins, YWCO Board President. Many Oconee County residents already utilize the YWCO through its fitness center, summer day camp program, daycare and aquatics program.
Just exactly when the YWCO may break ground on a new facility is an open-ended question, but the group plans on soliciting input from the community during the rest of this year.
"We know what our strengths are as an organization, but we also want to hear from the community in what they want from us," said Executive Director Kitty Meyran of the local YWCO. "For example, we know that there is a shortage of recreational afterschool programs, so that is certainly an area we want to pursue."
Meyran indicated the venture will be primarily self financed by sale of property currently owned by the YWCO, but additional funds may be needed to complete the facility in a manner that the community will value.
Oconee County's expanding recreational facilities recently hit a bump in the road with the discovery of deeply imbeeded bedrock at the yet-to-be-opened Community Center across from the Herman C. Michael Park. The Board of Commissioners may have to earmark more money for removal of the unexpectedly huge chunk of rock under the ground of the gently slopping tract they have been working on for the better part of a year.
Several years back area activists met in planning a possible YWCA expansion in Oconee County but efforts ground to a halt after a change of leadership in Athens area recreational group. Members of that now defunct group had eyed the recently bulit YWCA building in Winder as a possible template for a possible new structure in Oconee County.
Oconee County has had several massive private expansions of recreational facilities, including the Georgia Aquatics Facility off New High Shoals Road and the All Sports Training
The YWCO began in Athens in 1906 as a YWCA, but broke away from the national organization nearly 30 years ago so it could adapt its programming to cater to local needs. The YWCO is now a local faith based organization that promotes fitness and wellness for all ages and provides youth program such as afterschool programs and day camps, as well as soccer and other recreational needs.
"We are still very early in our planning, but the prospects of a new facility is exiciting," said Meyran.
The property in questions has been the subject of a rezone application before the Oconee County Planning Department before the recent deadline for the next meeting, but has yet to be accepted. The YWCO would like to build a fitness and aquatic center targeting the needs of families and seniors, according to a recent press release.
"We have discussed this expansion for several years and believe that our mission and abilities will well serve the need(s) of Oconee County," said Dave Hudgins, YWCO Board President. Many Oconee County residents already utilize the YWCO through its fitness center, summer day camp program, daycare and aquatics program.
Just exactly when the YWCO may break ground on a new facility is an open-ended question, but the group plans on soliciting input from the community during the rest of this year.
"We know what our strengths are as an organization, but we also want to hear from the community in what they want from us," said Executive Director Kitty Meyran of the local YWCO. "For example, we know that there is a shortage of recreational afterschool programs, so that is certainly an area we want to pursue."
Meyran indicated the venture will be primarily self financed by sale of property currently owned by the YWCO, but additional funds may be needed to complete the facility in a manner that the community will value.
Oconee County's expanding recreational facilities recently hit a bump in the road with the discovery of deeply imbeeded bedrock at the yet-to-be-opened Community Center across from the Herman C. Michael Park. The Board of Commissioners may have to earmark more money for removal of the unexpectedly huge chunk of rock under the ground of the gently slopping tract they have been working on for the better part of a year.
Several years back area activists met in planning a possible YWCA expansion in Oconee County but efforts ground to a halt after a change of leadership in Athens area recreational group. Members of that now defunct group had eyed the recently bulit YWCA building in Winder as a possible template for a possible new structure in Oconee County.
Oconee County has had several massive private expansions of recreational facilities, including the Georgia Aquatics Facility off New High Shoals Road and the All Sports Training
The YWCO began in Athens in 1906 as a YWCA, but broke away from the national organization nearly 30 years ago so it could adapt its programming to cater to local needs. The YWCO is now a local faith based organization that promotes fitness and wellness for all ages and provides youth program such as afterschool programs and day camps, as well as soccer and other recreational needs.
"We are still very early in our planning, but the prospects of a new facility is exiciting," said Meyran.
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