[9/20/04)

For years, the Johnston County YMCA has offered after school care and summer day camps for children.  These services have proven to be a blessing for working parents.  Unfortunately, the YMCA does not currently have an official building of its own in Johnston County and has hosted their programs at various locations.  However, in approximately two years, that will all change.  The Johnston County YMCA plans to build on Powatan Road in Clayton.

The official address of the 40,000 square foot building will be 3798 Powatan Road.  Their new building will be constructed in three phases with the starting phase measuring about 20,000 square feet.  According to Berry Oliver, the Johnston County YMCA Branch Director, the YMCA plans to offer more programming for both children and adults.  Approximately 1,500 members will enjoy programs like soccer, swimming lessons, basketball and water aerobics.  Eventually, the facility will include an indoor fitness center, indoor pool and gymnasium. 

However, since donors have the ability to donate to a specified facility, a lot depends on them.  The fundraising process lasts about 18 months and will begin with a silent phase in which the YMCA will ask for donations from companies and individuals.  Once they secure lead gifts, their public campaign will begin. 
 
Even with their new building, the YMCA plans to offer after school care.  Children whose schools are located close to Powatan Road, like East Clayton and Riverwood Elementary, will be bussed to the YMCA.  Schools that are further away in Johnston County will continue to receive YMCA after school care on their respective school campus. 

No firm date has been set for construction to begin, but until it does soccer goals have been set up on the property for use by the YMCA children's soccer leagues.

--4042.com Reporter, Stephanie Lee

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