By Michael Barrettmbarrett@gastongazette.com

For years, a new YMCA in Gastonia was merely an ever-shifting concept in the minds of local leaders.

But the former pipe dream is finally being welded and cemented together alongside Robinwood Lake in a framework of concrete, sheet metal and steel.

The 48,000-square-foot complex that was proposed as a $16 million project during a groundbreaking ceremony last May has ballooned. It now carries an anticipated price tag of $20 million, partially due to rising construction costs, said Gaston Family YMCA President and CEO Tony Sigmon.

Its also a result of some last-second tweaks to add a little more space and maximize the facilitys effectiveness for members, he said.

The anticipated late-summer 2017 opening date has shifted to November or December of this year. But positivity over whats coming together still reigns supreme.

Weve got the final floor plans, and everythings locked in and moving along, said Sigmon, during a visit to the construction site Thursday. This is going to be so good, and the changes weve made continue to make it better. The excitement from the community just continues to impress us.

Dreaming bigger

Sigmon and other YMCA leaders have found themselves continuing to battle misinformation, such as confounding rumors that the new branch wont have a swimming pool or gymnasium. But the footprint for those and other amenities are clearly being laid.

This will be the pool area here, and this is what I really like, Sigmon said during the walkthrough, gesturing toward an area that is now a muddy mess. This whole area back here is all going to be deck and patio space, and well have some fire pits over here, with picnic tables and chairs for sunbathing.

Visitors using the large indoor lap pool and separate recreational pool will have a clear view of the 34-acre lake through a glass wall. A boathouse alongside the reservoir will allow members to rent canoes, stand-up paddle-boards, kayaks and fishing boats with electric trolling motors.

Artificial reefs will be built in the lake, which will be stocked with about 40,000 large-mouth bass and bream for fishing. The YMCA is working with a nonprofit to install wood duck nests and osprey stands around the water, which has an average depth of 18 to 25 feet.

"We want to make sure we have a good habitat for wildlife out here," Sigmon said.

A playground and athletic fields for soccer, baseball, lacrosse, field hockey and other sports will flank the east side of the YMCA. A trail leading to the other side will guide people toward the woods, where a campground and two to three miles of natural trails will be built throughout the 110-acre site.

Inside the YMCA, the gymnasium's planned size has increased from 3,600 square feet to 4,800 square feet, to provide a little more breathing room. The wellness center will also be larger at 7,500 square feet.

'Trend space' downstairs will provide room for CrossFit-style workouts or other evolving exercise regimens that offer participants more of a personal touch. And the upstairs Spin Studio has also been expanded in scope, to fit as many as 50 bikes.

More money to raise

The expanded amenities will add about $2 million to the original project budget, and a roughly 10 percent hike in construction costs and materials will double that. Sigmon said it's more than they anticipated, but they're adjusting the only way they know how,.

"Were raising more money," he said. "Weve still probably got $3 million to $3.5 million left to raise, and our volunteers and staff are working incredibly hard to do it."

Other dynamic features inside will include a two-story climbing and adventure center for kids aged 6 to 11. Parents who need some freedom to work out can also drop off younger children from 6 weeks to 5 years at a neighboring child care center.

A large hearth and fireplace will be the dominant feature of the main lobby, and a nearby cafe will offer everything from muffins and healthy smoothies to grab-and-go sandwiches and salads.

Plans are to retain the YMCA's current membership rates, which range from $51 for an individual, to $76 for a family of two adults and their dependents. Beginning in 2018, members will have access to any other YMCA across the country.

Sigmon recently moved his office into a mobile trailer alongside the construction site, and said watching everything come together day by day is gratifying.

Its satisfying for the staff, but also the board, said Sigmon. There are board members whove told me theyve been talking about replacing the Central Branch and finding the right, new location for 20 to 25 years. To see this dream come true in this way is beyond what anyone could have imagined.

You can reach Michael Barrett at 704-869-1826 or on Twitter @GazetteMike.

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YMCA evolution continues at lake - Gaston Gazette