$16 million, 50-meter pool planned for Nir Family YMCA in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A new 50-meter competition-style pool is planned for the Nir Family YMCA in Wilmington, a roughly $16 million project aimed at expanding year-round aquatic space in the region.

The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina announced Monday that a contribution from Oaz Nir will help fund the project. The organization did not disclose the amount of the contribution.

The planned pool will accommodate both long- and short-course swimming and include dedicated areas for swimmers, teams, families and spectators.

According to the YMCA, the additional space will be used for competitive swimming, high school teams and first responder training. The expansion is also expected to create more availability in the YMCA’s existing pools for swim lessons, water exercise, recreational swimming and water safety programs.

The organization says the added capacity will also support the expansion of Schools in Pools, a program providing swim instruction and water safety education to second-grade New Hanover County Schools students. The program is working toward serving all 26 elementary schools in the district.

“This gift is extraordinary not simply because of its significance, but because of the opportunities it will create for generations to come,” YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina President and CEO Dick Jones said.

Nir’s connection to swimming dates back to his childhood, when he participated in year-round swim teams. He later swam collegiately at Duke University and continues to swim regularly, according to the YMCA.

The Nir family has been involved with the YMCA for about 35 years through employment, instruction, volunteering, board service and membership. Nir’s mother, Dalia Nir, previously worked as a YMCA wellness coach.

“What’s great about the pool is that you can be an athlete or someone with limitations,” Dalia Nir said. “You’re moving every part of your body. Your whole body is engaged, but it’s gentle—and you can still push yourself.”

The YMCA estimates the pool expansion will cost approximately $16 million. Once construction begins, the organization expects the project to take about 12 months to complete.

A construction start date has not yet been announced. The YMCA says additional details about the project and its timeline are expected in the coming weeks.