<< Previous   of   Next >> (click to enlarge)

ADVERTISEMENT

CONTACT THE ENTERPRISE Jocelyn Robinson, News editor jrobinson@heraldnet.com

Community can be proud of new YMCA facility

It's been a long time coming, but the new YMCA is finally here.

After more than a decade of planning and more than a year under construction, the eagerly anticipated Dale Turner Family YMCA will open to the public next month.

Originally envisioned as a remodel of the existing Shoreline/South County building more than a decade ago, the project eventually grew into the construction of a brand new facility.

The 52,000-square-foot building, dedicated to the late Reverend Dale Turner, cost $19.5 million and features a full-sized gym, a pinnacle climbing wall and a 25-yard handicapped accessible pool.

Not only that, space on the main floor will be available for groups to use as a meeting place and for teens to take part in the Youth Development Center.

"This is their space; it's a first for them," youth development director Jen Landery said of the teens' new meeting space. "I'll think they'll take a lot of ownership and pride in it."

It's not everyday that a big project gets the support of the entire community, from residents to businesses, but the YMCA is no ordinary organization.

Often seen as a cornerstone of the community, the Y is more than just a place to get a workout; it's a meeting place for residents, a safe haven for kids and teens, a social connection and recreation spot for adults and seniors.

The cities of North King and South Snohomish counties the Dale Turner Family YMCA serves -- including Shoreline, Lake Forest Park and Edmonds -- are fortunate to have this sparkling new resource at their disposal.

Kudos to the hard-working staff of the YMCA who worked to bring the vision to reality, and to the residents who supported the Y -- both old and new -- with time and money.