Expansion, renovation of Anderson YMCA completed

ANDERSON, S.C. (WSPA) – After three years of construction, the expansion of the Anderson Area YMCA Ducworth Tucker Sports Park has opened for all to enjoy.

With the support of donors, the CEO of the Anderson Area YMCA said five multipurpose fields and four baseball fields were added. The expansion and renovation of the 90 acre park costs $11.8 million. The park accommodates soccer, football, baseball and lacrosse.

Parents like Lyndsey Cole and Apryl Rochester said they are impressed.

“It’s just huge and the grounds are immaculate,” said Cole.

“The park is amazing,” said Rochester. “It is unbelievable.”

Officials said the sports park is also home to the cross-country course for Anderson School District Five, which sits on 26 acres in the back of the complex.

“We’ll be able to offer tournaments to teams outside of Anderson County all over the state and also offer cross country meets,” said YMCA CEO Joe Drennon. “We hope to attract state high school cross country meets and also college meets that will bring a variety of people from outside Anderson county, not only our state, but also the southeast.”

It doesn’t stop there. There is also a playground, parking spaces and restrooms.

“We have five kids and we have been there already a good bit. It’s very safe. They love the playground they love to run around and it’s been wonderful,” said Rochester.

The expansion of the project allows for more participation in their youth programs.

“Our next programs coming up for participation out here will be our summer sports camps and we have a wide variety of summer sports camps that we’ll offer here,” continued Drennon. “Then we begin starting registration for flag football in the summer, along with fall soccer and fall football and fall baseball.”

Summer is approaching and parents said it’s a great opportunity for their kids to get outside.

“I think that it’s not only great for them to stay busy and out of trouble but also just for friendships and development as they grow,” said Cole.

“I believe with all my heart that we will build our next generation of leaders for Anderson County through our youth sports programs and we’re excited to be able to take that and offer that to many generations to come,” said Drennon.

Sign-ups for the summer youth sports programs are now open to register.

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