King County kicked in $1 million to help build a long awaited YMCA facility in Kent.
The County Council approved the YMCA funds as part of its $11.4 billion 2017-2018 budget unanimously adopted on Monday.
“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, whose district includes Kent, in an email. “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 for the East Hill at Morrill Meadows Park near Southeast 248th Street and 104th Avenue Southeast, but once completed will offer new recreational opportunities for 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.”
Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke and YMCA leaders in 2015 signed a memorandum of understanding to build an estimated $25 million recreational facility and pool. A YMCA fundraising campaign will pay for the complex. Construction on the first phase of the park renovations is expected to begin next year.
It will take two to four years before the YMCA opens in Kent depending on how well fundraising goes, according to YMCA officials.
In addition to health and wellness opportunities, the 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.”
The county funds come from a portion of the rental car tax that was originally directed to pay off bonds issued to make repairs to the old Kingdome stadium. Now that the debt has been retired, funds are available for a variety of recreational activities and facilities across King County. The rental car tax generates about $4 million per year, according to county staff. The county budget bonds a portion of the revenue to build new facilities sooner.
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