It’s fun to play at the YMCA

Published 11:00 pm Thursday, September 13, 2007

MONROE — The new YMCA family center in Monroe is now open for everyone in the community.

Because Monroe contributed $1.9 million in tax money to the $12 million center, Monroe residents can enjoy free recreation services during designated hours for the next 15 years.

The 47,000-square-foot center features saunas, a spa, a massage room, an aerobics arena, a fitness center, a kitchen, a child-care center and a swimming pool. The city has no other public swimming pool.

In addition to the city’s $1.9 million, major contributions included $1 million from the state and $450,000 from the Bill &Melinda Gates Foundation.

About 1,500 people had signed up for membership before the center opened to the public on Sept. 1.

Among the free services offered for Monroe residents:

Family Night: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., each Friday, open use of the center.

Family Swim: 2 to 5 p.m., each Sunday, family use of the aquatics center.

Senior Fitness and Health: 10 to 11 a.m., each Tuesday and Thursday, health and fitness programs for seniors.

Teen Night: 7 to 11 p.m., first Saturday of the month, special teen activities.

Water Aerobics: 9 to 10 a.m., each Monday and Wednesday, open for water aerobics class.

— Yoshiaki Nohara, Herald Writer

How to register

Stop by: Register at the new center, 14033 Fryelands Blvd. The center is open 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Bring ID: People will need photo identification to show they are Monroe residents.

Kids: Children under 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent.

After filling out an application, residents will receive a digital photo identification. City residents must register each September.

For more information: Go to the city’s Web site at www.ci.monroe.wa.us or call the city at 360-794-7400. Or go to www.ymca-snoco.org/monroe or call 360-805-1879.