TACOMA, Wash., July 1, 2024 – The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties (YMCA) has broken ground on a new community center in Tacoma, WA. The new Pearl Street Family YMCA will replace the existing YMCA at 1002 S. Pearl Street, which will remain open during construction.
The first phase of construction will take an estimated 18-20 months and will include an aquatics center, climbing wall supported by the generosity of the Liz Rocks Foundation, strength training area, locker rooms, welcome center, and lounge areas.
“The Pearl Street Family YMCA is going to be an exciting and necessary upgrade for the families of Tacoma,” said Charlie Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA. “We know the community has been eager for a state-of-the-art community center and we’re thankful to our board for reapproving the project in 2023 after getting delayed by the pandemic in 2020, and to our supporters and members for remaining patient. We’ve been part of the West End community for five decades and we’re beyond excited to continue the Y’s legacy of transforming lives in Tacoma for the next 50 years.”
Construction of the new Y is made possible in large part by donations from local individuals, families, and foundations including one of the Y's lead donors, the Names Family Foundation.
In collaboration with the Names Family Foundation, the Y is officially naming the new community center the Pearl Street Family YMCA. The new name is in homage to the informal name used by members and people familiar with the center.
“The Names Family Foundation recognizes this Y as a community treasure and asset to the area, a beacon of healthy living prominently standing at the gateway of the West End. We are thrilled that they have been able to break ground on the new community center on Pearl Street,” said Kim Hegardt, Names Family Foundation Board President. “We know this upgraded facility will usher in a new era of opportunities and benefits for our community, and we are committed to supporting the Y as it shares in our mission of positively impacting the health and longevity of Tacoma and Pierce County residents.”
The Y has raised $24 million toward its $30 million goal for the first phase of the project and will continue to fundraise through project completion. A second phase of the project will include gymnasiums, cardio room, art room, chapel, teen center, lounge, child watch, multipurpose rooms, community meeting room, racquetball and squash courts, cycling studio, and indoor walking track.
To learn more and to support the Pearl Street Family YMCA, visit ymcapkc.org/pearl-street-family-ymca.
###
About YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties
The Y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, we ensure that we all have access to the opportunities, relationships and resources necessary to learn, grow, and thrive.