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Yelm nonprofit Yard Campus asks city for partnership to convert existing buildings into youth campus
Summary
Yard Campus representatives presented a phased plan to repurpose existing Creek Street buildings into an academic, athletic and community hub and asked the city for non‑tax capital support, grant navigation and partnership on land or lease options.
Dustin, founder of Yard Campus, told the Yelm City Council at a Sept. 2 study session that his nonprofit seeks city support to repurpose existing buildings on Creek Street into a multiuse youth campus with academic, athletic and life‑skills programs.
The presentation described a phased approach using five standing steel‑frame buildings near Mountain Lumber and vacant adjacent lots. Dustin said the organization already operates academic tutoring, athletics and life‑skills programs and that the campus would expand offerings to include an aquatic center, a teen center, a commercial kitchen and consolidated community resources from partners such as Catholic Community Services and other local providers.
Yard Campus provided program and participation figures as context for its request: athletic programs serving about 110 youth, academic programs about 60, life‑skills about 55 and adult classes (CPR, culinary) during a recent 12‑month cycle; about 25 scholarships disbursed with an estimated value of $15,000. Dustin said Building C could be converted to an aquatic center and gave an estimate of $350 per square foot for remodel costs as a working figure while he secures contractor bids.
Dustin said a memorandum of understanding is already in place with current property owners and described two city partnership options: (1) a condo/long‑term lease arrangement on existing buildings so Yard Campus would operate them, or (2) the city acquiring adjacent vacant land and owning new construction while Yard Campus operates the facility. Dustin said the MOU with owners makes the condo/lease option feasible and that property owners had indicated a willingness to pursue a condo‑style arrangement.
Council members asked about current participation and ownership costs. Councilmember Joseph asked how many youths currently use the campus; Dustin replied there are “a few hundred kids over the course of 12 months,” and cited example baseball nightly participation. Councilmember Jeff asked why public funds should be used; Dustin said Yard Campus would offer “reduced membership prices for all city residents” and designated free hours and events if the city provides capital support. Other council members noted the presenters had begun conversations at county and state levels and praised the detail in the plan.
The presentation concluded with a request that the city publicly support the project, continue to bring Yard Campus into relevant city meetings, help navigate grant applications and consider capital assistance without raising taxes.
Council did not take formal action at the study session; members said they will deliberate and follow up in future meetings.
