Upthegrove secures county funds for Kent YMCA

November 14, 2016

Summary

People from the Kent community have been working on this project for years. This support from the county is critical to move this project forward towards reality

Story

Plans for a long awaited YMCA facility in Kent got a boost today as $1 Million was included in the newly approved King County Budget.

“A Kent YMCA will improve the lives of thousands in South King County by engaging people in healthy activities, providing leadership opportunities for youth, and offering a space to build community,” said Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, Budget Chair of the King County Council. “I am proud to support this effort and was pleased to be able to secure county funding in the final budget.”

The facility is still in the planning stages, but once completed will offer new recreational opportunities for Kent residents. Highlights of the future facility include:

• State-of-the-art aquatic center with dedicated lap lanes and family swim areas;
• Gym for school-age youth, adults, and families;
• Wellness and group exercise spaces;
• Indoor and outdoor recreation within Morrill Meadows Park;
• Dedicated space for community gathering areas.

“People from the Kent community have been working on this project for years,” said Nathan Phillips, Regional Vice President for the YMCA of Greater Seattle. “This support from the county is critical to move this project forward towards reality. Many thanks to Councilmember Upthegrove and the rest of the King County Council.”

In addition to health and wellness opportunities, the Kent YMCA will serve youth in partnership with local schools to offer tools, support, and resources kids need to become thriving adults.

“This type of facility is desperately needed in Kent,” said Mike Heinisch, Executive Director of Kent Youth and Family Services. “A YMCA will enhance family life and the work that we and others do in South King County.”

These funds come from a portion of the rental car tax that was originally directed to pay off bonds issued to make repairs to the King Dome. Now that the debt has been retired, funds are available for a variety of recreational activities and facilities across King County.