A YMCA in Port Orchard?
February 23rd, 2011 by Chris HenryA YMCA in Port Orchard?
Why not, says Mayor Lary Coppola, who broached the topic on his Facebook page with this comment on Feb. 8, “I’d like some feedback on the idea of undertaking a major capital campaign to build a YMCA like the ones in Gig Harbor and Silverdale in Port Orchard. Click ‘Like’ if you think this is a good idea. If not, leave a comment about why not. Thanks!”
On Feb. 11, I asked the mayor what were the chances of a Y in SK (South Kitsap for you out of towners). He said he was approached by some people with 18 acres on Bethel Road, a possible site, who floated the idea by him. To bring the idea to fruition, there would have to be a capital campaign and whole lot of legwork.
In Silverdale, the Haselwood Family YMCA is taking shape and on schedule to open in July. Talk of a YMCA began in the late 1990s, spearheaded by the Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority. But the housing authority was no longer involved from 2008 on, due to it financial struggles. Planning in earnest for a Y, which is the first piece of the Central Kitsap Community Campus, began in 2007.
In 2009, an agreement approved by the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners paved the way for the Y, to be built by YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County.
The total cost of the project is $15 million. The county will contribute $1 million from real estate excise taxes, as well as use of the land — an in-kind contribution of approximately $2.5 million. The county has applied for grants to help cover its portion of the cost. The rest of the project cost will be covered by the capital campaign, which got big boosts from the Haselwood and Ross families.
Coppola said he would support the city’s involvement in helping bring a YMCA to South Kitsap. “If a citizens’ group wanted to get together and do this, I’d be behind it,” Coppola said.
On Feb. 11, Coppola posted on his Facebook page a link to a new group “Port Orchard Wants a YMCA!” The group was created by South Kitsap developer Lars Kvinsland of Peninsula Brokers Real Estate Inc. So far, there are two members, Kvinsland and Coppola.
What do you think about a YMCA in South Kitsap/Port Orchard? Do you think a capital campaign would take off? What if any role should the city of Port Orchard play in bringing the YMCA to the community? (Take the poll on the homepage of this blog.)
Tags: City of Port Orchard, Silverdale YMCA, YMCA
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:32 am
Yes, why not a YMCA in PO?
The city of PO is already involved and seems to have already taken on the role of leader/idea for the project.
The south end seems to be awakening to life beyond soccer, dog parks and poo.
Best wishes to them! Sharon O’Hara
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:06 am
Absolutely! As a former SK Parks & Recreation Commissioner and Advocate it would be a Dream Come True!
It was the vision of the late Chuck Jeu as well as hundred’s of supporter’s that a recreation center be built for South Kitsap on a 200 acre site formerly owned by SK Park & Rec District-now a Kitsap County owned park.
I would step up to the plate on this one as I still believe the South Kitsap community needs a place to recreate that will be suitable for all ages.
Count me in!
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:43 am
What a wonderful idea, We need something like this for the
community.
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:55 am
Yes i love this idea. I am a member but it is hard to get motivated to go from PO to gig harbor or Bremerton after work. Maybe start small, say no pool, with a design that can easily be expanded. I don’t have a facebook so someone hit like for me
February 23rd, 2011 at 2:03 pm
a great idea,
considering the kids living here in the southend love sports!
February 28th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
I can’t believe that we would even THINK of spending loads of money on anything other than a new HIGH SCHOOL. You’ve got to be kidding me.
March 1st, 2011 at 11:44 am
Why is a new high school needed?
What is wrong with the one you have?
…just asking…
Sharon O’Hara
March 8th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
My hubby said there might be a misunderstanding of what I wrote: I meant an additional high school. Though I’ll admit, I am pretty new to the South Kitsap area, all I hear about is the overcrowding of the high school. Even my neighbor’s kid goes to Peninsula HS in Gig Harbor instead of SK. When we were looking for a place to buy, everyone told me to live in Central Kitsap because they have a better scool district. Granted, I am NOT in high school, so I guess I don’t have first hand knowledge, only what I hear. In an ideal world we’d have the funds to have schools with plenty of teachers and space for kids to learn to the best of their abilities AND we’d have a nice facility like a Y to enjoy the active lifestyle! Maybe we’ll get there one day.
March 8th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
Rebecca: It sounds like you are somewhat of a newcomer to South Kitsap. Welcome!
The idea to have a recreational center has been around for quite a few years in our community.The YMCA is not something that would be supported with your property taxes but by the support of numerous non-profit organizations, city’s (Public entities) and schools both Public and University’s.
Check our nearest neighbors YMCA websites in Silverdale and Gig Harbor to see what the YMCA offers. Perhaps this is a great way for your family to become involved in the South Kitsap Community.
Although the High School may be a bit crowded there has been a downsizing in enrollment over the years. A new high school is cost prohibitable for the area size, and population of the South Kitsap community.
Again…welcome to South Kitsap!