From staff reports
The Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry is adding a new 35,000 sq foot facility – the James Fisher Memorial Foundation YMCA – in East Argent. The facility is scheduled to break ground in 2022.
Jack Fisher, CEO and Founder of Preserve Communities, spearheaded this project by donating 20 acres of land within its East Argent community, a 7,350-acre master planned community located in Jasper County. Additionally, the community’s developer, Argent Land Holdings LLC, is working closely with the YMCA to raise funds through the East Argent Homebuilders Program with planned donations up to $500 per home.
Fisher is also the founder of the James Fisher Memorial Foundation, established in 2019 to honor his son’s passions and further the company’s commitment to community.
“The mission of our foundation is to enhance the well-being of the those within the communities where we operate,” Fisher said in a release. “We couldn’t think of a better way to uphold our mission than to support our neighbors in Jasper County through donating land for a new YMCA. We look forward to seeing the positive impact the James Fisher Memorial Foundation YMCA has on the community.”
In addition to its aquatics center and fitness areas, amenities at the James Fisher Memorial Foundation YMCA Phase 1 will include locker rooms, Child Watch/Adventure Zone play area, group exercise space and a healthy café. The James Fisher Memorial Foundation YMCA is in the process of securing partnerships with local organizations to operate out of the new facility.
“This opening could not come at a better time as the pandemic has exacerbated the inequities in our community: food insecurity, economic instability, and poor health outcomes,” Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry CEO Michael Bostwick said. “The new YMCA will be a full-service community center and a key player in creating solutions that enhance wellness and educational opportunities as we recover from the pandemic and look to a better future. We are so grateful for generosity of the James Fisher Memorial Foundation, the City of Hardeeville, Jasper County and all our donors.”
The Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry has operated the Wardle Family YMCA located at 1801 Richmond Ave., in Port Royal, SC since 1996.
