By Christine Bryant
Staff Writer
The wrecking ball swings as demolition of the former pool site in Reynoldsburg is underway to make room for the new YMCA facility. According to Director of Public Service Bill Sampson, the demolition will be completed over the next 30 to 60 days and development of the site will follow.
Demolition of the old pool site off Davidson Drive is officially underway.
The demolition makes room for a new YMCA facility that is expected to open in the fall of 2019 and will include indoor and outdoor pools, an outdoor splash area, fitness center, community meeting space and studios for classes.
Last May, voters approved an income tax increase from 1.5 to 2.5 percent to in part pay for the construction of the YMCA facility. Once constructed, the YMCA of Central Ohio will incur the costs of maintaining and managing the facility, as well as any repairs that would be necessary over time as the facility ages.
City and YMCA officials and developers broke ground on the project at the end of September.
Bill Sampson, Reynoldsburg’s director of public service, said demolition of the old pool site will cost $80,500 and will take place during the next 30 to 60 days. Development of the site will follow beginning late spring or early summer.
A rendering of the building and the site will be completed in the next six weeks, and will go before city council along with the construction estimate for approval, Sampson said.
“We are excited to be moving forward with the development of the Reynoldsburg Community Center YMCA site,” Sampson said. “Design of the new community center is underway and our goal is to have renderings of both the facility and the site by spring.”
Loewendick & Sons is overseeing the demolition of the project site, which includes the old swim club, adjacent bingo hall and the residence next to the former banquet facility. The demolition contracting company was the lowest bidder through an open, competitive bid process, Sampson said, with bids ranging from $80,500 to $173,000. Loewendick & Sons also is the demolition firm contracted to work on the Truro Township Main Street fire station.
Although the facility is expected to open in October 2019, YMCA of Central Ohio will begin selling memberships about six to eight months in advance of opening, Brian Kridler, senior vice president for strategy and innovation with the YMCA, said at the end of last year.
