“This is an exciting moment for our city and our community. It is also an important example of what can happen when major institutional investment is matched with strong local partnerships and a

shared vision for the future,” said a press release from the city.

The endeavor represents a partnership among WVU Medicine Berkeley Medical Center, YMCA of Frederick County, the City of Martinsburg and many others.

“This project represents far more than a new building. It represents a long-term investment in health, wellness, childcare, youth services, recreation, public safety and quality of life for families across Martinsburg and the Eastern Panhandle,” said the announcement from the city of Martinsburg.

The proposed approximately 65,000-square-foot Martinsburg YMCA is expected to be a major community facility that includes indoor aquatic programming, childcare, fitness and wellness space, youth and teen areas and community gathering spaces.

Among the amenities the project could offer is an indoor aquatic facility, which the city of Martinsburg announcement said would help meet a long-standing community need for year-round access to swim lessons, water safety programs, recreational swimming, senior fitness, therapeutic exercise and wellness opportunities.

As for the planned childcare component, “Access to quality childcare is one of the biggest challenges facing working families and employers throughout our region. By including childcare as part of this project, the YMCA will support families, strengthen the local workforce and complement the continued growth of healthcare services in Martinsburg.”

The City’s role in this partnership is part of a broader strategy to reinvest one-time revenues generated by WVU Medicine’s major expansion currently underway into long-term community assets. Rather than using those one-time revenues for recurring expenses, the City has focused on capital investments that can benefit residents for years to come.

As part of this broader community investment, resources resulting from WVU Medicine’s $200 million expansion in Martinsburg will support:

— A new YMCA facility in Martinsburg, including indoor aquatic and childcare components.

— The Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle’s building expansion and modernization efforts in downtown Martinsburg.

— Additional investment in Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation to support growing recreational needs.

— The proposed acquisition of land for a future Fire Department/EMS facility on the west side of I-81.

These investments reflect a balanced approach to community growth, according to the announcement. “They support children and families, improve access to recreation and wellness, strengthen public safety planning and help ensure that Martinsburg is preparing responsibly for future service demands.  This partnership also allows the community to gain major public benefits without the City taking on the long-term operating responsibility of owning and operating facilities such as an indoor aquatic center. That is an important distinction. This approach leverages private, nonprofit and institutional investment while helping turn one-time City revenue generated through one-time construction into lasting public benefit.”

The city of Martinsburg leadership team expressed appreciation to WVU Medicine, the YMCA of the Eastern Panhandle, the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle, Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks and Recreation and all of the local, state, federal and community partners..