HARRODSBURG, Ky. (June 26, 2012) – Gov. Steve Beshear today announced funding to help renovate the Mercer County YMCA in downtown Harrodsburg.
The $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) has been awarded to Mercer County to help support the rehabilitation of the Mercer County YMCA facility, which was formerly the city’s armory building.
“Adult obesity and inactivity are an epidemic throughout our nation and it is important to invest in community projects that help combat this problem,” Beshear said. “By improving and expanding the county’s YMCA facility, community residents will have easier access to an athletic facility that will help them to live more healthy and active lifestyles.”
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the armory building was constructed in 1956 and has served as the community’s YMCA for the past 33 years. Currently, the facility’s space and parking are extremely limited and cannot accommodate the full fitness and workout needs of present and potential members.
The building’s renovation will modernize the structure and create more space by converting approximately 5,000 s.f. of storage area into a wellness center, locker rooms, and a children’s area. In addition, the city will clear two adjacent properties to create a new parking lot next to the facility.
“This YMCA project has extensive community support and will help improve the lives of residents of all ages,” said Tony Wilder, Department for Local Government (DLG) Commissioner. “It will not only stand alone as a quality physical activity center, but also be able to partner with local area businesses and health facilities to offer health education programs and services for the entire community.”
The state’s CDBG program is administered by DLG and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Kentucky’s congressional leaders’ continued support of the CDBG program ensures the availability of continued funding in Kentucky and nationally.
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