Councilmember Dave Upthegrove Secured Funds for the Facility
[Story updated at 9:06 AM, 11/15/16 to include Dave Upthegrove’s photo.]
King County Council approved the proposed $11.3 billion biennial 2017-18 budget today. Among the approved expenditures was $1 million set aside for a YMCA in Kent.
“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 of the King County Council. “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, but once completed, the Kent YMCA will offer new recreational opportunities for Kent 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.”
Mike Heinisch, Executive Director of Kent Youth and Family Services, commented on the community’s need for a YMCA in Kent.
“This type of facility is desperately needed in Kent. A YMCA will enhance family life and the work that we do and others do in South King County.”
According to a press release from King County Council, the money will come from a portion of the rental car tax that was originally directed to pay off bonds to make repairs to the King Dome. Now that the debt has been retired, funds are available for recreational activities and facilities throughout King County.
Learn more about the budget here.
