The Caine Halter Family YMCA in Greenville has embarked on a significant $2.2 million renovation project aimed at upgrading its youth sports fields and parking lot. This initiative, celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 8, marks a pivotal step in enhancing facilities for local families and sports enthusiasts.
Located at 721 Cleveland St., the YMCA’s sports fields have long suffered from waterlogging due to stormwater runoff, often leading to canceled practices and postponed games. Jaime Johnson, executive director of the Caine Halter Family YMCA, highlighted the challenges posed by water accumulation, which can persist for up to two weeks after heavy rain.
To address these issues, the renovation will elevate the sports fields, incorporate an underground stormwater retention pond, and install new artificial turf. These improvements will ensure year-round usability of the fields. Additionally, the parking lot will be expanded to include 110 new spaces, accommodating more families and spectators.
The upgrades are part of the YMCA’s broader effort to expand its youth sports programs, which have seen significant growth since 2017. Sam Franklin, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greenville, noted that the organization has doubled the size of its youth sports programming, serving approximately 13,000 children last year. Despite this growth, demand continues to outpace available space, with over 200 children on waitlists for soccer and flag football.
The enhanced facilities will allow the YMCA to introduce six new youth soccer teams for children aged three to seven, enabling over 120 additional participants. The improvements may also pave the way for new adult sports programs.
This project is part of the Caine Halter Family YMCA’s $8.5 million “Building a Brighter Tomorrow” capital campaign, which began its public phase in October 2023. The campaign has raised $6.7 million to date, funding various improvements at the 66-year-old branch. Future plans include constructing a community pavilion with restrooms, gathering spaces, and a picnic area.
While Field 1 will be closed during renovations, the YMCA’s other three fields will remain accessible. A portion of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail will also be temporarily closed in mid-June. The renovations are expected to be completed by August.
For more information, visit ymcagreenville.org/caine-halter-capital-campaign.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
