The Snoqualmie Valley YMCA will soon look a bit different. Next month the Y will add a portable to the front of the building – something we reported in August would be happening as the busy facility explored ways to add more square footage.
Snoqualmie Valley YMCA Executive Director Nate Smith had told city officials for the past three years that the YMCA – which has one of the highest market member penetration rates in the county – was running out of space. The city, which owns the facility that is operated by the Y, has been considering options for a building and pool expansion, but in the Y decided to pursue other avenues to get the needed square footage now.
In August Smith explained the Y had to to get creative to increase programming space and to alleviate crowding in the exercise area. The portable being added is 40 ft. x 24 ft. and will add about 900 sq. ft to the facility. Programs that currently operate in the meeting room located next to the Y’s Ridge Street entrance – including before and after school care and community meetings – will be moved into the new portable that will be located in the grassy area adjacent the Y’s main [parking lot] entrance.
The 650 sq. ft. Ridge Street meeting room will then become a secondary cardio/exercise area, allowing more equipment to also be added in the main exercise area. Smith said the initial goal is to create more room in the free weight area, which is often so crowded that it is hard for members to even use what what is currently there.
Smith commented, “The community has continually told us they want more programs and services from the YMCA/Community Center. We have been looking for creative options that would give us the ability to serve more kids and families. We believe this will help us do that as we continue to work with our partners at the City of Snoqualmie to expand the current facility.”
When the Y went to the planning commission over the summer seeking approval for the portable, commission members had some reservations, including concerns about the appearance, but they did grant a Design Review Board Approval Letter. The Y’s plans do not require city council approval. The planning commission approval included the following conditions:
- Any new buildings shall require additional design review approval.
- The applicant shall obtain a building permit prior to construction.
- The portable building shall be painted to match the existing community center.
Even though the Y’s portable is scheduled to arrive in February, it might not be until March that all the changes happen.
