The proposed second Martinsville YMCA will be known as the Lester Family YMCA, following a $2.5 million donation from entrepreneur George Lester II.
The donation comes weeks after the Harvest Foundation kicked off the proposed YMCA’s funding phase with a $12 million donation. Both donations are earmarked for the planning and construction of the facility located at 708 Memorial Blvd. in Martinsville. The facility currently has a $28 million price tag.
[Disclosure: The Harvest Foundation is one of our donors, but donors have no say in news decisions; see our policy.]
“The Lester family has been a contributing member of the Martinsville-Henry County community, and it’s my privilege to make this gift honoring the legacy of our family’s community service,” said Lester in a press release.
Lester is the chairperson of the Lester Group, a Martinsville-based developer. The group has participated in a number of projects, including the construction of a new walking park and offering land for a possible amphitheater.
The Lester Family YMCA will be the second YMCA location in Martinsville, the first being located at 3 Starling Ave. The Starling Avenue location has been open since 1988.
The Lester Family YMCA will serve a section of the city many believe has been overlooked. The colloquially named West Side is an enclave of Black residents and is adjacent to the city’s Uptown area. In recent years, officials have made an effort to increase investments, including new housing.
The proposed YMCA’s 7-acre location was formerly a Family Dollar. Current plans are to break ground in 2026, with construction scheduled for completion sometime in 2028. The Lester Family YMCA could feature a number of amenities including a splash pad, gym and pickleball courts, among other things.
“The YMCA leadership is grateful to Mr. Lester for his commitment to the proposed YMCA,” said Brad Kinkema, CEO of the Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA. “We’re hopeful Mr. Lester’s commitment will encourage additional donations during the leadership phase of the fundraising campaign for the Y.”
