MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Lakeland could soon be the home of a new YMCA facility, under a plan approved by the city’s Board of Commissioners.
Lakeland Mayor Josh Roman confirmed to ABC24 that a new center operated by the YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South has been approved for the Lakeland Community Center.
The more than $21 million development is planned for the former Econo Lodge property near the I-40 and Canada Rd. interchange.
Funding for the project will come from the YMCA – about $4.8 million, and a Department of Human Services (DHS) grant and a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The mayor said the next step in the process is to complete a final loan packet, which once it goes through, would allow construction to begin.
The plan is for the city to own the center, and the YMCA will operate it, taking care of routine repairs and maintenance. The facility will feature childcare, a gym and fitness areas, an aquatic area, and green space.
"My first priority when coming to office was to lower crime and revitalize the Canada Road interchange,” said Mayor Roman. “One step was restarting an old conversation with YMCA of Memphis and Mid-South. This ended up being perfect timing for not only our plans for Lakeland and what we are offering our citizens but also for the Mid-South to provide additional daycare opportunities in what has become a daycare desert, in addition to providing jobs for Shelby County.”
The center is expected to open in early 2027.
You can find all relevant documents from the City of Lakeland regarding the agreement HERE.
