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Local gym owner proposes city partnership to build aquatics and wellness center in Yelm
Summary
Casey, owner of Get Fit Yelm, proposed a public‑private partnership modeled on Centralia’s Thorbecks to build a 25‑meter pool and attached fitness center; asked the city to help procure land or partner with the school district and to consider a lease/license model so private operators can run daily operations.
Casey, owner of Get Fit Yelm, told the Yelm City Council on Sept. 2 that she is proposing a partnership—similar to Centralia’s Thorbecks model—where a private operator would lease and manage an aquatics and wellness center while the city and possibly the school district provide land or capital support.
Casey said her gym has grown to more than 1,100 members since she purchased it in 2022 and that the business has expertise in childcare, saunas and programming that she says would translate to a community aquatics facility. She described the proposed core facility as a 25‑meter, six‑lane pool (3.5 to 12 feet of depth to accommodate swim meets and potential dive training), a junior/therapy pool and supporting amenities such as locker rooms, a hot tub and party rooms.
On costs and operations, Casey said a full facility buildout varies with scope; she cited a prior regional project estimate of about $18 million for a larger YMCA‑style project and projected annual aquatic operating costs of $150,000 to $300,000 (aquatic side only). She told council that property acquisition could be $0 if a school district land donation were secured and that annual insurance for the facility, based on her insurer’s guidance, could be roughly $4,500–$6,000.
Casey proposed a partnership structure in which a private operator (her business) would handle day‑to‑day management, staffing and billing while the city and possibly the school district would retain ownership of the asset or serve as co‑owners; she cited Thorbecks’ 30‑year lease and a park improvement trust fund as successful precedents.
Council members asked about the partnership details and funding sources. Casey said the model could use a trust fund that directs rental or lease payments back into capital improvements, and she suggested that a school district contribution or land donation would lower upfront costs. She said the center would provide swim lessons, lifeguard training, senior therapy, swim meets and other community programming.
No formal action or funding commitment occurred; council members thanked presenters and said staff would examine sites and funding options.
