KANNAPOLIS — The Cannon YMCA – Kannapolis will host a free community open house, an invitation for the community to see its newly renovated indoor pool on Monday. The YMCA, nationally, has long been a leading provider across the country in swim lessons and other aquatics services in a community.

“We know this indoor pool is a community asset to so many, and are happy to complete this renovation so everyone can get back in the water,” Kannapolis YMCA Branch Executive Philip Belfield said.

The Kannapolis YMCA is the host to 4 area high school swim teams, including A.L. Brown in Kannapolis and several other Cabarrus County Schools.

Belfield added, “…from water exercise classes, to swim teams, to water therapy for patients in the Atrium Health Path to Wellness program, the YMCA pool serves the needs of a wide demographic that otherwise go unmet when an indoor pool is not available.” 

Approximately 24 months ago the YMCA discovered some maintenance issues in the pool area ceiling. After a quick evaluation from local engineers and architects that serve as volunteers on Rowan-Cabarrus YMCA boards, it was determined that this could be a big project. Knowing that the pool would be closed, YMCA leadership made the decision to not only address the roof, but also make needed changes to multiple aspects of the aquatics center.

Improvements to the aquatics center included new lighting, new air system, new filtration, lane lines, diving blocks and new pool mechanical equipment such as pumps and the boiler. Another change was the reduction of the depth from twelve feet to seven feet. Many years ago, the Kannapolis YMCA had a diving board thus the twelve-foot depth was needed. Today, competitive swimming only requires seven-foot depth.

“This change was important for the safety of our members as the ability of lifeguards to complete a rescue greatly improves with the reduction to seven feet,” Rowan-Cabarrus YMCA CEO Jamie Morgan said. 

On President’s Day, the YMCA invites the community to come out and see the new swimming pool located next to Village Park in Downtown Kannapolis. YMCA staff and volunteers will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to give tours, answer questions and help the community register for swim lessons. Guests can expect a Hawaiian Luau theme with food, music, class demonstrations and the ability to observe swim lessons in the afternoon. 

“In the Kannapolis community, the Y is more than just a gym; it’s a thriving community where any person of any age and from any background can connect and find their purpose,” Kannapolis YMCA Board Chairman Dr. Henry Duncan said. “The Y’s mission has evolved with the changing needs of our community, and today we are dedicated to equipping everyone with the tools they need to reach their full potential — whether that is through a swimming lesson, participation in an AOA Lunch and Learn or engaging in family activities — we are here for our Kannapolis families.”