A branch of the YMCA of Greater Seattle announced the launch of an $11 million expansion project that will increase the size of the Y by 50 percent to 47,000 square feet.
The expanded West Seattle YMCA will include twice the space for cardio, strength and fitness as well as a healthy living kitchen, a play space for kids, family changing rooms and underground parking for cars and bicycles, according to a Y press release.
The West Seattle Y says it expects to serve 3,500 more people annually, an increase of 20 percent. Other community impacts, according to the Y, include more specialized fitness programs for people living with chronic illnesses related to obesity and other diseases, more nutrition education, more dedicated space for age-appropriate activities for youth and more free and subsidized memberships to support youth and families.
The West Seattle community is expected to raise half of the $11 million in the campaign, with the other half raised by the YMCA of Greater Seattle. The Y says $2.6 million already has been secured through pledges from individuals and businesses.
Construction is expected to begin next summer, and the expanded West Seattle Y is expected to open in the summer of 2016. Public meetings about the project are scheduled for tonight and Wednesday morning.
The YMCA of Greater Seattle consists of 13 branches and two camps.