Thursday, October 1, 2026
South Sound YMCA is taking steps to address a shortage of indoor recreation space in Thurston County by setting plans in motion for a new complex in Lacey.
Driving it forward are conceptual designs, an early stage capital campaign and an expanding list of community endorsers. The Lacey City Council listened to a proposal during an informational work session on April 28. No action was required of the council.
President and CEO of the South Sound YMCA Kyle Cronk said the organization purchased property at 3300 Marvin Road and has already engaged 70 to 90 prospective donors.
The proposed complex would measure roughly 80,000 square feet, approximately twice the size of the YMCA's existing Briggs location on Yelm Highway.
Conceptual floor plans from Williams Architecture show a core fitness facility, a natatorium with multiple pool tanks and a four-court indoor field house.
Cronk pointed to the organization's Shelton YMCA as a model, saying that project would not have been possible without early commitments from the city, the school district and community partners.
"Cities can't do it alone. Businesses aren't going to do it alone," Cronk said. "We have to come together to try to figure out how we have the answer to all the different recreational needs that people have."
Cronk said swimming lessons at the Briggs facility are at capacity, with wait lists for court sports, such as basketball and volleyball, adding to the pressure.
Dr. Kelly Golob, owner of Tumwater Chiropractic Center and founder of the youth basketball nonprofit South Sound Roots Academy, cited regional figures to illustrate the shortage.
According to Golob, the population of residents under age 19 has grown by roughly 17,000 since 2001. Over the past 25 years, he said the area added a net of only three basketball courts.
"Ninety percent of our kids are from Thurston County, and two nights a week for a large part of the year, they're all driving down and back (to Centralia for practice)," Golob said. "It's a big barrier. It's a cost for the families. It's a cost for time, it's a cost for transportation."
Even so, Golob said the need would not be fully met by a single new facility.
"When the YMCA builds this, we're still going to need more facilities," he said. "It's not going to satisfy the demand for getting kids off their phones and exercising, playing with other kids in person."
Council member Maren Turner asked whether the project had been studied for long-term financial viability.
Cronk said the organization completed two feasibility analyses, one assessing donor capacity and another examining operational sustainability. Using current Briggs enrollment as a conservative baseline, he said, the facility would remain financially viable. Cronk said he expects membership to exceed the Briggs level based on demographic trends in Lacey.
The project has garnered endorsements from prominent figures throughout the region.
Backers include former Gov. Christine Gregoire, former Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed, Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders, former Lacey City Manager Greg Cuoio and Thurston County Chamber representative David Schaffert. Rabbi Seth Goldstein of Temple Beth Hatfiloh and the Rev. David Reaves of New Life Baptist Church are also among the backers.
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BobJacobs
Wow! I hope this is successful. I'll donate.
Bob Jacobs
Monday, May 4 Report this
HotTractor
Hope this is successful.
Tuesday, May 5 Report this
KEW100
Surely would help deal with lack of pools. Particularly important of the Evergreen pool is scrapped.
Tuesday, May 5 Report this
Chloeandme
I hope I hope there will be room for pickleball courts!
Tuesday, May 5 Report this
pbaron1902
Sounds terrific! Hope this plan works out for all of our citizens.
Tuesday, May 5 Report this