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YMCA outlines plan for 75,000'82,000 sq ft facility in Lacey; council presses on scholarships and sustainability
Summary
YMCA representatives presented a capital and operating plan for a proposed 75,000'82,000-square-foot facility at 3300 Marvin Road, including a natatorium and four-court fieldhouse; council members asked for more detail on scholarship funding, maintenance and feasibility before formal actions are requested.
The council heard a detailed presentation from YMCA representatives about a proposed multiuse recreation facility in Lacey.
A YMCA presenter described the project as roughly 77,000 to 80,000 square feet (could be 75,000 to 82,000 depending on final design) at 3300 Marvin Road, with a natatorium and a fieldhouse containing four indoor high-school-size basketball courts. "This is about twice the size of Briggs," the presenter said, describing the facility as a mix of aquatics, courts and community programming. The presenter said early feasibility work and donor outreach have engaged 70 to 90 prospective donors and community leaders.
Kelly Golub, who identified himself as a local chiropractor and organizer of youth sports, told council there's a large unmet need for indoor sports and court space in Thurston County. "The amount of kids under the age of 19 has increased by about 30%," Golub said, and he argued local clubs currently travel out of the area for gym space.
Council questions focused on affordability and operating sustainability. One councilmember pressed: "From an equity standpoint, how do you support people who can't afford a membership?" YMCA staff replied that the Y raises annual scholarship funds and provides full scholarships when necessary; the presenter said the YMCA gives away roughly $985,000 a year in financial assistance (transcript figure provided by YMCA presenter) and also partners with state and local agencies for childcare and program access.
Council members also asked about feasibility work, fundraising timelines and the project's operating model. The presenter described two feasibility studies: one to assess fundraising capacity, the other to test operational sustainability. The YMCA said conservative operating projections indicate the facility would be sustainable if it achieved membership levels similar to the Briggs YMCA and that more financial detail will be provided to the council.
Council members voiced broad support for the concept but asked staff to return with more data and noted the city has previously studied indoor-sports demand. No formal council action was requested or taken at the work session; presenters were thanked and will continue to brief the council as the campaign and design process advance.
