The YMCA planned for Sumner likely will include a warm-water recreation pool, exercise equipment, a room for community functions, a teen center, an art center, and a gym with space for basketball, volleyball and other sports.
A second pool and racquetball courts could be added, depending on how much money is raised.
Designs are coming together for the 50,000- to 80,000-square-foot facility slated to go on donated land in a controversial development south of Sumner, known as Orton Junction.
The new Y is expected to be similar in design to the Ys in Gig Harbor and Silverdale, which saves on costs. Bob Ecklund, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties, said he’s hopeful about breaking ground next year, with the Y opening in 2013.
But he isn’t setting a firm timeline yet because of an appeal that’s working its way through a state land-use board.
“We’ll be deciding a little bit later,” perhaps in January, Ecklund said.
He said he believes the state Growth Management Hearings Board will uphold the Pierce County Council decision that opened the door to a mixed-use development at Orton Junction anchored by the new Y.
The facility “will be a great community hub,” drawing people of all ages, he said.
A coalition of farmland protection groups behind the appeal says there are better places for the development. The County Council in October approved extending the City of Sumner’s urban growth area onto some of the county’s richest soil to make way for Orton Junction, and this “de-designation” of farmland violates state law, said Tim Trohimovich, director of planning and law for the Seattle-based Futurewise.
“We feel the appeal is strong. I think you can see that by the fact that Pierce County staff and the (county) Planning Commission recommended denial” of the city’s urban growth area request, he said.
A pre-hearing conference is set for early next month. The hearings board will make a decision by early June.
Ecklund said demand is strong for a Sumner Y. Officials expect about 18,000 members, drawing from Sumner and other East Pierce communities, such as Bonney Lake, Orting and Edgewood.
The facility is estimated to cost $15 million to $24 million, with at least $10 million coming from donations.
The YMCA has nearly $6 million in pledges so far, primarily large gifts from a small number of donors. The total includes $2.5 million pledged by the City of Sumner.
Ecklund was one of Orton Junction’s biggest proponents as it worked its way through county government. It was turned down by the Planning Commission over the summer, but the County Council signed off after an agreement was reached that includes protecting farmland elsewhere in the county.
The YMCA plans to step up its fundraising in the new year. Building design drawings likely will be made public in the first quarter of next year, said Michelle LaRue, YMCA spokeswoman.
The City of Sumner also is beginning to work with the county and Orton Junction landowners on planning for the area, said Carmen Palmer, city spokeswoman.
Sara Schilling: 253-552-7058
sara.schilling@thenewstribune.com
blog.thenewstribune.com/street
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