Officials from the YMCA of Greater Houston and the Katy Family YMCA held a groundbreaking ceremony April 1 for Katy’s second YMCA, which is expected to open in the first quarter of 2017.

“We know that Katy is increasing significantly in population, and there’s a need to support the families and youth in this area,” YMCA Board Chairman Carlos Valdez said.

The new facility—called the YMCA at Katy Main Street—is being built at the intersection of Main Street and Kingsland Boulevard.

The two story, 41,000-square-foot structure is expected to cost $12 million.

Brian Haines, vice president of operations for the YMCA of Greater Houston, said construction is expected to begin on the new facility in mid-April.

The facility will feature an outdoor jogging trail, strength training and cardio equipment, and a basketball gym.

There will also be group exercise rooms, an outdoor heated swimming pool, child care rooms and a cycle studio.

Speakers at the event attributed the need for the new YMCA to Katy’s growth.

The new YMCA is anticipated to serve about 20,000 people by 2019 and have 400,000 visits a year.   

Leonard Merrell, a Katy YMCA board member and chairman of the capital steering committee for the new facility, said the campaign has raised $1.4 million but is seeking $1 million more in funding.

“The second YMCA is honestly probably not the last one that we’re talking about in the city of Katy,” he said.