New River YMCA in Jacksonville breaks ground on Aquatic Center

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - A groundbreaking ceremony took place on Thursday to celebrate a new addition at the New River YMCA in Jacksonville.

The plan for the project started back in 2018. According to Billy Sewell, the New River YMCA chairman, says Onslow County is one of the largest counties without a public pool.

Parents like Teresa Tefft say she grew up going to a YMCA.

“I learned to swim at a YMCA when I was a child,” said Tefft. “My kids being able to have that opportunity to grow in the pool, on swim teams and with YMCA programs it means a lot.”

The 58,000 sqft building will have two different pools one for recreation and the other for training. The main building will also add a wellness center to become a full service YMCA.

Sewell says the project will bring the community together, including his own family.

“Just with my two boys and my wife,” said Sewell. “We can come and there’s something for all of us at the same time.”

Tefft says the addition will make her life easier when it comes to the summer months.

“Packing everything up,” Tefft told WITN. “Making sure we have everything and getting everybody there so having one here in Jacksonville is going to be convenient.”

While construction is still in the early stages, Sewell hopes the New River YMCA will be around for generations to come.

“So that future generations of Onslow County folks and children have an opportunity to use this that didn’t happen in the previous 250 years,” said Sewell.

Sewell says the project will cost roughly $17 million and is planned to be completed in September 2026.