Monroe YMCA will open on Saturday

Published 11:16 pm Thursday, August 30, 2007

MONROE — Construction of the new YMCA center is complete, and the $12 million center with a much-needed swimming pool is set to open at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

“This is a dream come true for people who have been involved in this project for many years,” said Sally King, membership marketing director of the Monroe/Sky Valley Family YMCA.

About 1,500 people already have signed up for membership at the 47,000-square-foot center on Fryelands Boulevard in the city’s western end, King said. The initial membership goal was 1,000.

“The response has been really excellent,” she said.

Some people who became members before the end of May bought bricks for the pathway to the front door. Those bricks have been personalized with family and business names and have been placed on the pathway.

“In Loving Memory. Dan Dunavant,” one brick reads.

“Stocker Farms,” reads another.

“Doug and Linda Ernst,” reads a third.

The YMCA has raised about $12 million for the new center, King said. Major contributions included $1 million from the state, $450,000 from the Bill &Melinda Gates Foundation and $1.9 million from the city of Monroe.

In exchange, Monroe city residents can enjoy free services during designated hours at the center. For instance, they can swim free in the pool 2 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The 25-yard-long pool is expected to draw many people. Monroe has no public swimming pools.

In addition to the pool, the center features saunas, a spa, massage room, aerobics arena, fitness center and kitchen. Children can also play in a child-care center.

About 100 people are expected to work at the center, said Beth Greaves, the center’s health and wellness director. She visited the brand-new building on Monday.

“I love it. It’s fascinating,” Greaves said.

Greaves wore a workout outfit and waited for machines to arrive at the fitness center.

“We are ready to go,” she said.

Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.