A three-year study is underway as part of an expansion of the Round Valley YMCA.
CLINTON TWP. -- A field house and a competition-sized pool could be added at the Hunterdon County YMCA's Round Valley branch in the near future.
The Y bought its Round Valley site in July 2012 with an eye toward future expansion. "It's a 26-acre piece of property, and we have hopes to build out the YMCA campus in phases," YMCA President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Black said this week.
"The first phase would include a field house," he said. It would have a full-court gymnasium with the ability to run different sports programs.
A second phase would provide connections to the branch's existing building. Right now the Round Valley branch offers childcare and a fitness center that includes an aerobics studio, free weights, an indoor track, strength training and a wellness center.
The final phase would bring "a competitive natatorium," Black said, "a venue for swimming in the county."
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YMCA officials have already shown a concept plan to the township Planning Board and received support, Black said. Now, a three-year strategic study is underway to determine the scope and feasibility of the expansion.
"We need studies to see if we would be providing a service that's filling a gap in the community, and if we have the ability to raise the money we would need to raise," Black said. "We need to see if the community would support this."
A third party will guide the strategic planning process, he said. "At the end of that, we hope to get into a capital development campaign," Black said.
In the meantime, people might see some small projects completed before the study is finished. "We've got a community garden going up this summer," Black said. "And we're planning a walking trail around the property."
The Hunterdon YMCA's Deer Path branch is a full facility with a gym and pool, and Y members can go to whichever branch they want. "Participation is fairly equal at both facilities," Black said. "We're seeing steady, slow growth in the membership at Round Valley."
The Deer Path branch can't expand any further, Black said, so any development the YMCA pursues will have to be at Round Valley.
Sallie Graziano may be reached at sgraziano@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SallieGraziano. Find The Hunterdon County Democrat on Facebook.