4 August 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CITY OF SOUTHPORT

City of Southport Partners with Bald Head Island Limited and YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina to Explore Possibility of Bringing YMCA to the Area

Contact: ChyAnn Ketchum, Public Information Officer
cketchum@cityofsouthport.com
C: (910) 267-7300 | O: (910) 457-7927 ext. 1040

Southport, NC – The City of Southport is pleased to announce a new partnership with Bald Head

Island Limited and the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina to explore the feasibility of establishing a YMCA facility in Southport.

This collaboration marks the beginning of a formal feasibility study, which will examine the potential for a YMCA to serve Southport and surrounding communities. The study will be conducted by a professional firm selected by the City of Southport and funded entirely by a generous contribution from Bald Head Limited/East West Partners.

“This is a significant step toward evaluating what our community needs, and how a YMCA

could be part of Southport’s future,” said City Manager Noah Saldo. “Due to the valuable contribution of Bald Head Island Limited, we’re excited to work closely with the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina and our local partners to gather the data and community input needed to make an informed decision.”

The feasibility study will assess local interest, demographic and population data, funding possibilities, and operational sustainability. Once completed, the findings will be presented to the

City of Southport to determine whether moving forward with a YMCA is viable.

Updates on the study will be shared with the public as the process unfolds.

About YMCA Southeastern North Carolina

YMCA Southeastern North Carolina is an inclusive non-profit organization of men, women, and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. At the Y, people from all backgrounds build connections through fitness, sports, and shared interests.

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