Rotary Club of Tryon receives YMCA update

Published 3:40 pm Wednesday, July 30, 2025

YMCA facility slated to open in 2027

TRYON– The Rotary Club of Tryon commenced its 2025-2026 Rotary Year with a presentation from Rotarian Michael Baughman and YMCA Interim CEO Ryan Finney. The duo provided the Club with an exciting update on the ongoing progress of the YMCA construction project in Polk County.

Nearly a year ago, it was revealed that the new YMCA would honor local philanthropists Geoff and Alice Tennant. Since that announcement, while updates may have been sparse, the YMCA Development Committee has been diligently working behind the scenes. It was recently shared that groundwork is projected to commence by the end of 2025, with the facility slated to open its doors in 2027.

In a significant move, the Polk County Commissioners recently approved a budget of up to $15 million for the construction of the new YMCA. This vital facility will be situated on land generously donated by local benefactors John Montgomery and Clary Hood, located near the intersection of Highways 74 and 108.

Community support has been robust, with nearly $4 million in private donations already pledged to aid the construction efforts. The Rotary Club of Tryon has taken an active role by committing $150,000 toward the project, underscoring its dedication to enhancing community resources.

In the coming weeks, the YMCA Development Committee, in collaboration with Polk County Government, will be hiring an architect to initiate the design phase of this much-anticipated facility.