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Construction Begins on John M. Blackburn Indoor Athletic Facility at Williams YMA of Avery

Construction has begun on an indoor athletic facility as part of the Williams YMCA of Avery County. The 20,000- square foot structure will feature two basketball courts, a volleyball court and a batting cage. It will be completed in 2017 at a cost of $1.3 million, most of which was raised by John Blackburn.

Appropriately, the new facility will be named the John M. Blackburn Indoor Athletic Facility in recognition of Blackburn, one of Avery County’s most distinguished citizens, enthusiastic promoters and tireless civic workers for over three decades.

“That’s good news,” said Boone businessman Kenneth Wilcox, “because he is most deserving.