SILVERDALE — It has taken about 11 years, and at times progress seemed to move at a snails pace, but the perseverance of original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council is being rewarded this month as construction finally begins on the Central Kitsap Community Campus.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Friday afternoon at the Haselwood Family YMCA.

The corner of the lot has already been razed to prepare it for construction. YMCA officials hope to have the facility open by next summer.

The YMCA is the first component of the campus, which is intended as a gathering place for the Central Kitsap community. It is expected to eventually become a hub for recreation and the performing arts, as well as the home of a new Silverdale library.

It had its beginnings in brainstorming among original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council.

Hank Mann-Sykes, a founding member of the council, says he suggested the concept after daydreaming about how to create an identity for Silverdale beyond the Kitsap Mall. He formerly lived in Kirkland and appreciated how the Peter Kirk Community Center in downtown Kirkland brought the community together.

Mann-Sykes wanted to see something similar in Central Kitsap. Council members got behind the idea and made it their own, and began the at times painstakingly slow process of seeing that dream become a reality.

“I’m beside myself every day with enthusiasm and excitement,” Mann-Sykes said of the pending construction. “I’ve waited a long time to see it happen. I just hope I’m alive to see it completed.”

Four county commissioners representing Central Kitsap have played a role establishing the campus. Past commissioner Patty Lent is credited with breathing life into the project when she orchestrated the real estate deal that resulted in the county purchasing most of the land needed to house the campus.

The 12-acre site is located along NW Randall Way in Silverdale between the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and the movie theaters.

Current county Commissioner Josh Brown is credited with courting the YMCA for the site. Former commissioners Phil Best and Tim Botkin are also cited as contributing to the project and keeping it a priority at the county administration building.

Originally the Silverdale Y was expected to be 50,000 to 70,000 square feet and mirror the 77,000 square foot YMCA in Gig Harbor. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties — formerly the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County — is building the facility.

The YMCA has raised about $9.4 million through fundraising efforts, which is double what it expected to have by this point in the capital campaign, spokeswoman Michelle LaRue said.

If fundraisers can reach the $10 million mark in the next few weeks, the Silverdale facility will be expanded to 85,785 square feet, she said. The added space would be for a gym dedicated for youth programs and a “spirit, mind and body room.”

The Silverdale facility will have a climbing wall, exercise equipment, gymnasium, track and programs for children and seniors. It will also offer space to Harrison Medical Center.

It will have a larger pool area than Gig Harbor that will include lap lanes, a children’s area, hot tubs and, if the $10 million goal is met, a lazy river offering resistance for people using the pool for therapeutic purposes, LaRue said.

While Brown has been instrumental in securing tenants for the campus — he also contacted Mercy Housing, which is waiting for federal funding to build senior housing there — Brown says praise should go to the community council and major donors.

That includes Ron and Nadean Ross and Joanne Haselwood, who pledged $1 million and $2.5 million respectively.

“It was my number one priority, but I certainly didn’t do anything alone,” he said. “A lot of the credit goes to the leaders on the CK council who have continually pushed in good times and bad to see the community campus built.”

Charter membership registration for the Silverdale Y will be offered in September, but members of the Kitsap Family YMCA will have the option of expanding their memberships starting July 1 to visit other YMCA branches operated by the YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties. The two entities will merge July 1. The expanded membership will include the Silverdale Y once it opens.

YMCA Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities for the Haselwood Family YMCA Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Regal Cinemas off NW Randall Way. YMCA officials will be on hand to talk about the project.

© 2010 Kitsap Sun. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/03/ymca-groundbreaking-long-time-coming-for-central/#ixzz0qaB9RPG6
 

SILVERDALE — It has taken about 11 years, and at times progress seemed to move at a snails pace, but the perseverance of original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council is being rewarded this month as construction finally begins on the Central Kitsap Community Campus.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Friday afternoon at the Haselwood Family YMCA.

The corner of the lot has already been razed to prepare it for construction. YMCA officials hope to have the facility open by next summer.

The YMCA is the first component of the campus, which is intended as a gathering place for the Central Kitsap community. It is expected to eventually become a hub for recreation and the performing arts, as well as the home of a new Silverdale library.

It had its beginnings in brainstorming among original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council.

Hank Mann-Sykes, a founding member of the council, says he suggested the concept after daydreaming about how to create an identity for Silverdale beyond the Kitsap Mall. He formerly lived in Kirkland and appreciated how the Peter Kirk Community Center in downtown Kirkland brought the community together.

Mann-Sykes wanted to see something similar in Central Kitsap. Council members got behind the idea and made it their own, and began the at times painstakingly slow process of seeing that dream become a reality.

“I’m beside myself every day with enthusiasm and excitement,” Mann-Sykes said of the pending construction. “I’ve waited a long time to see it happen. I just hope I’m alive to see it completed.”

Four county commissioners representing Central Kitsap have played a role establishing the campus. Past commissioner Patty Lent is credited with breathing life into the project when she orchestrated the real estate deal that resulted in the county purchasing most of the land needed to house the campus.

The 12-acre site is located along NW Randall Way in Silverdale between the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and the movie theaters.

Current county Commissioner Josh Brown is credited with courting the YMCA for the site. Former commissioners Phil Best and Tim Botkin are also cited as contributing to the project and keeping it a priority at the county administration building.

Originally the Silverdale Y was expected to be 50,000 to 70,000 square feet and mirror the 77,000 square foot YMCA in Gig Harbor. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties — formerly the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County — is building the facility.

The YMCA has raised about $9.4 million through fundraising efforts, which is double what it expected to have by this point in the capital campaign, spokeswoman Michelle LaRue said.

If fundraisers can reach the $10 million mark in the next few weeks, the Silverdale facility will be expanded to 85,785 square feet, she said. The added space would be for a gym dedicated for youth programs and a “spirit, mind and body room.”

The Silverdale facility will have a climbing wall, exercise equipment, gymnasium, track and programs for children and seniors. It will also offer space to Harrison Medical Center.

It will have a larger pool area than Gig Harbor that will include lap lanes, a children’s area, hot tubs and, if the $10 million goal is met, a lazy river offering resistance for people using the pool for therapeutic purposes, LaRue said.

While Brown has been instrumental in securing tenants for the campus — he also contacted Mercy Housing, which is waiting for federal funding to build senior housing there — Brown says praise should go to the community council and major donors.

That includes Ron and Nadean Ross and Joanne Haselwood, who pledged $1 million and $2.5 million respectively.

“It was my number one priority, but I certainly didn’t do anything alone,” he said. “A lot of the credit goes to the leaders on the CK council who have continually pushed in good times and bad to see the community campus built.”

Charter membership registration for the Silverdale Y will be offered in September, but members of the Kitsap Family YMCA will have the option of expanding their memberships starting July 1 to visit other YMCA branches operated by the YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties. The two entities will merge July 1. The expanded membership will include the Silverdale Y once it opens.

YMCA Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities for the Haselwood Family YMCA Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Regal Cinemas off NW Randall Way. YMCA officials will be on hand to talk about the project.

© 2010 Kitsap Sun. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/03/ymca-groundbreaking-long-time-coming-for-central/#ixzz0qaB9RPG6
 

SILVERDALE — It has taken about 11 years, and at times progress seemed to move at a snails pace, but the perseverance of original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council is being rewarded this month as construction finally begins on the Central Kitsap Community Campus.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Friday afternoon at the Haselwood Family YMCA.

The corner of the lot has already been razed to prepare it for construction. YMCA officials hope to have the facility open by next summer.

The YMCA is the first component of the campus, which is intended as a gathering place for the Central Kitsap community. It is expected to eventually become a hub for recreation and the performing arts, as well as the home of a new Silverdale library.

It had its beginnings in brainstorming among original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council.

Hank Mann-Sykes, a founding member of the council, says he suggested the concept after daydreaming about how to create an identity for Silverdale beyond the Kitsap Mall. He formerly lived in Kirkland and appreciated how the Peter Kirk Community Center in downtown Kirkland brought the community together.

Mann-Sykes wanted to see something similar in Central Kitsap. Council members got behind the idea and made it their own, and began the at times painstakingly slow process of seeing that dream become a reality.

“I’m beside myself every day with enthusiasm and excitement,” Mann-Sykes said of the pending construction. “I’ve waited a long time to see it happen. I just hope I’m alive to see it completed.”

Four county commissioners representing Central Kitsap have played a role establishing the campus. Past commissioner Patty Lent is credited with breathing life into the project when she orchestrated the real estate deal that resulted in the county purchasing most of the land needed to house the campus.

The 12-acre site is located along NW Randall Way in Silverdale between the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and the movie theaters.

Current county Commissioner Josh Brown is credited with courting the YMCA for the site. Former commissioners Phil Best and Tim Botkin are also cited as contributing to the project and keeping it a priority at the county administration building.

Originally the Silverdale Y was expected to be 50,000 to 70,000 square feet and mirror the 77,000 square foot YMCA in Gig Harbor. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties — formerly the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County — is building the facility.

The YMCA has raised about $9.4 million through fundraising efforts, which is double what it expected to have by this point in the capital campaign, spokeswoman Michelle LaRue said.

If fundraisers can reach the $10 million mark in the next few weeks, the Silverdale facility will be expanded to 85,785 square feet, she said. The added space would be for a gym dedicated for youth programs and a “spirit, mind and body room.”

The Silverdale facility will have a climbing wall, exercise equipment, gymnasium, track and programs for children and seniors. It will also offer space to Harrison Medical Center.

It will have a larger pool area than Gig Harbor that will include lap lanes, a children’s area, hot tubs and, if the $10 million goal is met, a lazy river offering resistance for people using the pool for therapeutic purposes, LaRue said.

While Brown has been instrumental in securing tenants for the campus — he also contacted Mercy Housing, which is waiting for federal funding to build senior housing there — Brown says praise should go to the community council and major donors.

That includes Ron and Nadean Ross and Joanne Haselwood, who pledged $1 million and $2.5 million respectively.

“It was my number one priority, but I certainly didn’t do anything alone,” he said. “A lot of the credit goes to the leaders on the CK council who have continually pushed in good times and bad to see the community campus built.”

Charter membership registration for the Silverdale Y will be offered in September, but members of the Kitsap Family YMCA will have the option of expanding their memberships starting July 1 to visit other YMCA branches operated by the YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties. The two entities will merge July 1. The expanded membership will include the Silverdale Y once it opens.

YMCA Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities for the Haselwood Family YMCA Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Regal Cinemas off NW Randall Way. YMCA officials will be on hand to talk about the project.

© 2010 Kitsap Sun. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/03/ymca-groundbreaking-long-time-coming-for-central/#ixzz0qaB9RPG6
 

SILVERDALE — It has taken about 11 years, and at times progress seemed to move at a snails pace, but the perseverance of original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council is being rewarded this month as construction finally begins on the Central Kitsap Community Campus.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Friday afternoon at the Haselwood Family YMCA.

The corner of the lot has already been razed to prepare it for construction. YMCA officials hope to have the facility open by next summer.

The YMCA is the first component of the campus, which is intended as a gathering place for the Central Kitsap community. It is expected to eventually become a hub for recreation and the performing arts, as well as the home of a new Silverdale library.

It had its beginnings in brainstorming among original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council.

Hank Mann-Sykes, a founding member of the council, says he suggested the concept after daydreaming about how to create an identity for Silverdale beyond the Kitsap Mall. He formerly lived in Kirkland and appreciated how the Peter Kirk Community Center in downtown Kirkland brought the community together.

Mann-Sykes wanted to see something similar in Central Kitsap. Council members got behind the idea and made it their own, and began the at times painstakingly slow process of seeing that dream become a reality.

“I’m beside myself every day with enthusiasm and excitement,” Mann-Sykes said of the pending construction. “I’ve waited a long time to see it happen. I just hope I’m alive to see it completed.”

Four county commissioners representing Central Kitsap have played a role establishing the campus. Past commissioner Patty Lent is credited with breathing life into the project when she orchestrated the real estate deal that resulted in the county purchasing most of the land needed to house the campus.

The 12-acre site is located along NW Randall Way in Silverdale between the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and the movie theaters.

Current county Commissioner Josh Brown is credited with courting the YMCA for the site. Former commissioners Phil Best and Tim Botkin are also cited as contributing to the project and keeping it a priority at the county administration building.

Originally the Silverdale Y was expected to be 50,000 to 70,000 square feet and mirror the 77,000 square foot YMCA in Gig Harbor. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties — formerly the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County — is building the facility.

The YMCA has raised about $9.4 million through fundraising efforts, which is double what it expected to have by this point in the capital campaign, spokeswoman Michelle LaRue said.

If fundraisers can reach the $10 million mark in the next few weeks, the Silverdale facility will be expanded to 85,785 square feet, she said. The added space would be for a gym dedicated for youth programs and a “spirit, mind and body room.”

The Silverdale facility will have a climbing wall, exercise equipment, gymnasium, track and programs for children and seniors. It will also offer space to Harrison Medical Center.

It will have a larger pool area than Gig Harbor that will include lap lanes, a children’s area, hot tubs and, if the $10 million goal is met, a lazy river offering resistance for people using the pool for therapeutic purposes, LaRue said.

While Brown has been instrumental in securing tenants for the campus — he also contacted Mercy Housing, which is waiting for federal funding to build senior housing there — Brown says praise should go to the community council and major donors.

That includes Ron and Nadean Ross and Joanne Haselwood, who pledged $1 million and $2.5 million respectively.

“It was my number one priority, but I certainly didn’t do anything alone,” he said. “A lot of the credit goes to the leaders on the CK council who have continually pushed in good times and bad to see the community campus built.”

Charter membership registration for the Silverdale Y will be offered in September, but members of the Kitsap Family YMCA will have the option of expanding their memberships starting July 1 to visit other YMCA branches operated by the YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties. The two entities will merge July 1. The expanded membership will include the Silverdale Y once it opens.

YMCA Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities for the Haselwood Family YMCA Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Regal Cinemas off NW Randall Way. YMCA officials will be on hand to talk about the project.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/03/ymca-groundbreaking-long-time-coming-for-central/#ixzz0qaBOfjr3
 

SILVERDALE — It has taken about 11 years, and at times progress seemed to move at a snails pace, but the perseverance of original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council is being rewarded this month as construction finally begins on the Central Kitsap Community Campus.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Friday afternoon at the Haselwood Family YMCA.

The corner of the lot has already been razed to prepare it for construction. YMCA officials hope to have the facility open by next summer.

The YMCA is the first component of the campus, which is intended as a gathering place for the Central Kitsap community. It is expected to eventually become a hub for recreation and the performing arts, as well as the home of a new Silverdale library.

It had its beginnings in brainstorming among original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council.

Hank Mann-Sykes, a founding member of the council, says he suggested the concept after daydreaming about how to create an identity for Silverdale beyond the Kitsap Mall. He formerly lived in Kirkland and appreciated how the Peter Kirk Community Center in downtown Kirkland brought the community together.

Mann-Sykes wanted to see something similar in Central Kitsap. Council members got behind the idea and made it their own, and began the at times painstakingly slow process of seeing that dream become a reality.

“I’m beside myself every day with enthusiasm and excitement,” Mann-Sykes said of the pending construction. “I’ve waited a long time to see it happen. I just hope I’m alive to see it completed.”

Four county commissioners representing Central Kitsap have played a role establishing the campus. Past commissioner Patty Lent is credited with breathing life into the project when she orchestrated the real estate deal that resulted in the county purchasing most of the land needed to house the campus.

The 12-acre site is located along NW Randall Way in Silverdale between the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and the movie theaters.

Current county Commissioner Josh Brown is credited with courting the YMCA for the site. Former commissioners Phil Best and Tim Botkin are also cited as contributing to the project and keeping it a priority at the county administration building.

Originally the Silverdale Y was expected to be 50,000 to 70,000 square feet and mirror the 77,000 square foot YMCA in Gig Harbor. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties — formerly the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County — is building the facility.

The YMCA has raised about $9.4 million through fundraising efforts, which is double what it expected to have by this point in the capital campaign, spokeswoman Michelle LaRue said.

If fundraisers can reach the $10 million mark in the next few weeks, the Silverdale facility will be expanded to 85,785 square feet, she said. The added space would be for a gym dedicated for youth programs and a “spirit, mind and body room.”

The Silverdale facility will have a climbing wall, exercise equipment, gymnasium, track and programs for children and seniors. It will also offer space to Harrison Medical Center.

It will have a larger pool area than Gig Harbor that will include lap lanes, a children’s area, hot tubs and, if the $10 million goal is met, a lazy river offering resistance for people using the pool for therapeutic purposes, LaRue said.

While Brown has been instrumental in securing tenants for the campus — he also contacted Mercy Housing, which is waiting for federal funding to build senior housing there — Brown says praise should go to the community council and major donors.

That includes Ron and Nadean Ross and Joanne Haselwood, who pledged $1 million and $2.5 million respectively.

“It was my number one priority, but I certainly didn’t do anything alone,” he said. “A lot of the credit goes to the leaders on the CK council who have continually pushed in good times and bad to see the community campus built.”

Charter membership registration for the Silverdale Y will be offered in September, but members of the Kitsap Family YMCA will have the option of expanding their memberships starting July 1 to visit other YMCA branches operated by the YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties. The two entities will merge July 1. The expanded membership will include the Silverdale Y once it opens.

YMCA Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities for the Haselwood Family YMCA Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Regal Cinemas off NW Randall Way. YMCA officials will be on hand to talk about the project.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/03/ymca-groundbreaking-long-time-coming-for-central/#ixzz0qaBOfjr3
 

SILVERDALE — It has taken about 11 years, and at times progress seemed to move at a snails pace, but the perseverance of original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council is being rewarded this month as construction finally begins on the Central Kitsap Community Campus.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Friday afternoon at the Haselwood Family YMCA.

The corner of the lot has already been razed to prepare it for construction. YMCA officials hope to have the facility open by next summer.

The YMCA is the first component of the campus, which is intended as a gathering place for the Central Kitsap community. It is expected to eventually become a hub for recreation and the performing arts, as well as the home of a new Silverdale library.

It had its beginnings in brainstorming among original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council.

Hank Mann-Sykes, a founding member of the council, says he suggested the concept after daydreaming about how to create an identity for Silverdale beyond the Kitsap Mall. He formerly lived in Kirkland and appreciated how the Peter Kirk Community Center in downtown Kirkland brought the community together.

Mann-Sykes wanted to see something similar in Central Kitsap. Council members got behind the idea and made it their own, and began the at times painstakingly slow process of seeing that dream become a reality.

“I’m beside myself every day with enthusiasm and excitement,” Mann-Sykes said of the pending construction. “I’ve waited a long time to see it happen. I just hope I’m alive to see it completed.”

Four county commissioners representing Central Kitsap have played a role establishing the campus. Past commissioner Patty Lent is credited with breathing life into the project when she orchestrated the real estate deal that resulted in the county purchasing most of the land needed to house the campus.

The 12-acre site is located along NW Randall Way in Silverdale between the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and the movie theaters.

Current county Commissioner Josh Brown is credited with courting the YMCA for the site. Former commissioners Phil Best and Tim Botkin are also cited as contributing to the project and keeping it a priority at the county administration building.

Originally the Silverdale Y was expected to be 50,000 to 70,000 square feet and mirror the 77,000 square foot YMCA in Gig Harbor. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties — formerly the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County — is building the facility.

The YMCA has raised about $9.4 million through fundraising efforts, which is double what it expected to have by this point in the capital campaign, spokeswoman Michelle LaRue said.

If fundraisers can reach the $10 million mark in the next few weeks, the Silverdale facility will be expanded to 85,785 square feet, she said. The added space would be for a gym dedicated for youth programs and a “spirit, mind and body room.”

The Silverdale facility will have a climbing wall, exercise equipment, gymnasium, track and programs for children and seniors. It will also offer space to Harrison Medical Center.

It will have a larger pool area than Gig Harbor that will include lap lanes, a children’s area, hot tubs and, if the $10 million goal is met, a lazy river offering resistance for people using the pool for therapeutic purposes, LaRue said.

While Brown has been instrumental in securing tenants for the campus — he also contacted Mercy Housing, which is waiting for federal funding to build senior housing there — Brown says praise should go to the community council and major donors.

That includes Ron and Nadean Ross and Joanne Haselwood, who pledged $1 million and $2.5 million respectively.

“It was my number one priority, but I certainly didn’t do anything alone,” he said. “A lot of the credit goes to the leaders on the CK council who have continually pushed in good times and bad to see the community campus built.”

Charter membership registration for the Silverdale Y will be offered in September, but members of the Kitsap Family YMCA will have the option of expanding their memberships starting July 1 to visit other YMCA branches operated by the YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties. The two entities will merge July 1. The expanded membership will include the Silverdale Y once it opens.

YMCA Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities for the Haselwood Family YMCA Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Regal Cinemas off NW Randall Way. YMCA officials will be on hand to talk about the project.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/03/ymca-groundbreaking-long-time-coming-for-central/#ixzz0qaBOfjr3
 

SILVERDALE — It has taken about 11 years, and at times progress seemed to move at a snails pace, but the perseverance of original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council is being rewarded this month as construction finally begins on the Central Kitsap Community Campus.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Friday afternoon at the Haselwood Family YMCA.

The corner of the lot has already been razed to prepare it for construction. YMCA officials hope to have the facility open by next summer.

The YMCA is the first component of the campus, which is intended as a gathering place for the Central Kitsap community. It is expected to eventually become a hub for recreation and the performing arts, as well as the home of a new Silverdale library.

It had its beginnings in brainstorming among original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council.

Hank Mann-Sykes, a founding member of the council, says he suggested the concept after daydreaming about how to create an identity for Silverdale beyond the Kitsap Mall. He formerly lived in Kirkland and appreciated how the Peter Kirk Community Center in downtown Kirkland brought the community together.

Mann-Sykes wanted to see something similar in Central Kitsap. Council members got behind the idea and made it their own, and began the at times painstakingly slow process of seeing that dream become a reality.

“I’m beside myself every day with enthusiasm and excitement,” Mann-Sykes said of the pending construction. “I’ve waited a long time to see it happen. I just hope I’m alive to see it completed.”

Four county commissioners representing Central Kitsap have played a role establishing the campus. Past commissioner Patty Lent is credited with breathing life into the project when she orchestrated the real estate deal that resulted in the county purchasing most of the land needed to house the campus.

The 12-acre site is located along NW Randall Way in Silverdale between the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and the movie theaters.

Current county Commissioner Josh Brown is credited with courting the YMCA for the site. Former commissioners Phil Best and Tim Botkin are also cited as contributing to the project and keeping it a priority at the county administration building.

Originally the Silverdale Y was expected to be 50,000 to 70,000 square feet and mirror the 77,000 square foot YMCA in Gig Harbor. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties — formerly the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County — is building the facility.

The YMCA has raised about $9.4 million through fundraising efforts, which is double what it expected to have by this point in the capital campaign, spokeswoman Michelle LaRue said.

If fundraisers can reach the $10 million mark in the next few weeks, the Silverdale facility will be expanded to 85,785 square feet, she said. The added space would be for a gym dedicated for youth programs and a “spirit, mind and body room.”

The Silverdale facility will have a climbing wall, exercise equipment, gymnasium, track and programs for children and seniors. It will also offer space to Harrison Medical Center.

It will have a larger pool area than Gig Harbor that will include lap lanes, a children’s area, hot tubs and, if the $10 million goal is met, a lazy river offering resistance for people using the pool for therapeutic purposes, LaRue said.

While Brown has been instrumental in securing tenants for the campus — he also contacted Mercy Housing, which is waiting for federal funding to build senior housing there — Brown says praise should go to the community council and major donors.

That includes Ron and Nadean Ross and Joanne Haselwood, who pledged $1 million and $2.5 million respectively.

“It was my number one priority, but I certainly didn’t do anything alone,” he said. “A lot of the credit goes to the leaders on the CK council who have continually pushed in good times and bad to see the community campus built.”

Charter membership registration for the Silverdale Y will be offered in September, but members of the Kitsap Family YMCA will have the option of expanding their memberships starting July 1 to visit other YMCA branches operated by the YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties. The two entities will merge July 1. The expanded membership will include the Silverdale Y once it opens.

YMCA Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities for the Haselwood Family YMCA Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Regal Cinemas off NW Randall Way. YMCA officials will be on hand to talk about the project.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/03/ymca-groundbreaking-long-time-coming-for-central/#ixzz0qaBOfjr3
 

SILVERDALE — It has taken about 11 years, and at times progress seemed to move at a snails pace, but the perseverance of original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council is being rewarded this month as construction finally begins on the Central Kitsap Community Campus.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Friday afternoon at the Haselwood Family YMCA.

The corner of the lot has already been razed to prepare it for construction. YMCA officials hope to have the facility open by next summer.

The YMCA is the first component of the campus, which is intended as a gathering place for the Central Kitsap community. It is expected to eventually become a hub for recreation and the performing arts, as well as the home of a new Silverdale library.

It had its beginnings in brainstorming among original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council.

Hank Mann-Sykes, a founding member of the council, says he suggested the concept after daydreaming about how to create an identity for Silverdale beyond the Kitsap Mall. He formerly lived in Kirkland and appreciated how the Peter Kirk Community Center in downtown Kirkland brought the community together.

Mann-Sykes wanted to see something similar in Central Kitsap. Council members got behind the idea and made it their own, and began the at times painstakingly slow process of seeing that dream become a reality.

“I’m beside myself every day with enthusiasm and excitement,” Mann-Sykes said of the pending construction. “I’ve waited a long time to see it happen. I just hope I’m alive to see it completed.”

Four county commissioners representing Central Kitsap have played a role establishing the campus. Past commissioner Patty Lent is credited with breathing life into the project when she orchestrated the real estate deal that resulted in the county purchasing most of the land needed to house the campus.

The 12-acre site is located along NW Randall Way in Silverdale between the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and the movie theaters.

Current county Commissioner Josh Brown is credited with courting the YMCA for the site. Former commissioners Phil Best and Tim Botkin are also cited as contributing to the project and keeping it a priority at the county administration building.

Originally the Silverdale Y was expected to be 50,000 to 70,000 square feet and mirror the 77,000 square foot YMCA in Gig Harbor. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties — formerly the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County — is building the facility.

The YMCA has raised about $9.4 million through fundraising efforts, which is double what it expected to have by this point in the capital campaign, spokeswoman Michelle LaRue said.

If fundraisers can reach the $10 million mark in the next few weeks, the Silverdale facility will be expanded to 85,785 square feet, she said. The added space would be for a gym dedicated for youth programs and a “spirit, mind and body room.”

The Silverdale facility will have a climbing wall, exercise equipment, gymnasium, track and programs for children and seniors. It will also offer space to Harrison Medical Center.

It will have a larger pool area than Gig Harbor that will include lap lanes, a children’s area, hot tubs and, if the $10 million goal is met, a lazy river offering resistance for people using the pool for therapeutic purposes, LaRue said.

While Brown has been instrumental in securing tenants for the campus — he also contacted Mercy Housing, which is waiting for federal funding to build senior housing there — Brown says praise should go to the community council and major donors.

That includes Ron and Nadean Ross and Joanne Haselwood, who pledged $1 million and $2.5 million respectively.

“It was my number one priority, but I certainly didn’t do anything alone,” he said. “A lot of the credit goes to the leaders on the CK council who have continually pushed in good times and bad to see the community campus built.”

Charter membership registration for the Silverdale Y will be offered in September, but members of the Kitsap Family YMCA will have the option of expanding their memberships starting July 1 to visit other YMCA branches operated by the YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties. The two entities will merge July 1. The expanded membership will include the Silverdale Y once it opens.

YMCA Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities for the Haselwood Family YMCA Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Regal Cinemas off NW Randall Way. YMCA officials will be on hand to talk about the project.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/03/ymca-groundbreaking-long-time-coming-for-central/#ixzz0qaBOfjr3
 

SILVERDALE — It has taken about 11 years, and at times progress seemed to move at a snails pace, but the perseverance of original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council is being rewarded this month as construction finally begins on the Central Kitsap Community Campus.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Friday afternoon at the Haselwood Family YMCA.

The corner of the lot has already been razed to prepare it for construction. YMCA officials hope to have the facility open by next summer.

The YMCA is the first component of the campus, which is intended as a gathering place for the Central Kitsap community. It is expected to eventually become a hub for recreation and the performing arts, as well as the home of a new Silverdale library.

It had its beginnings in brainstorming among original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council.

Hank Mann-Sykes, a founding member of the council, says he suggested the concept after daydreaming about how to create an identity for Silverdale beyond the Kitsap Mall. He formerly lived in Kirkland and appreciated how the Peter Kirk Community Center in downtown Kirkland brought the community together.

Mann-Sykes wanted to see something similar in Central Kitsap. Council members got behind the idea and made it their own, and began the at times painstakingly slow process of seeing that dream become a reality.

“I’m beside myself every day with enthusiasm and excitement,” Mann-Sykes said of the pending construction. “I’ve waited a long time to see it happen. I just hope I’m alive to see it completed.”

Four county commissioners representing Central Kitsap have played a role establishing the campus. Past commissioner Patty Lent is credited with breathing life into the project when she orchestrated the real estate deal that resulted in the county purchasing most of the land needed to house the campus.

The 12-acre site is located along NW Randall Way in Silverdale between the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and the movie theaters.

Current county Commissioner Josh Brown is credited with courting the YMCA for the site. Former commissioners Phil Best and Tim Botkin are also cited as contributing to the project and keeping it a priority at the county administration building.

Originally the Silverdale Y was expected to be 50,000 to 70,000 square feet and mirror the 77,000 square foot YMCA in Gig Harbor. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties — formerly the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County — is building the facility.

The YMCA has raised about $9.4 million through fundraising efforts, which is double what it expected to have by this point in the capital campaign, spokeswoman Michelle LaRue said.

If fundraisers can reach the $10 million mark in the next few weeks, the Silverdale facility will be expanded to 85,785 square feet, she said. The added space would be for a gym dedicated for youth programs and a “spirit, mind and body room.”

The Silverdale facility will have a climbing wall, exercise equipment, gymnasium, track and programs for children and seniors. It will also offer space to Harrison Medical Center.

It will have a larger pool area than Gig Harbor that will include lap lanes, a children’s area, hot tubs and, if the $10 million goal is met, a lazy river offering resistance for people using the pool for therapeutic purposes, LaRue said.

While Brown has been instrumental in securing tenants for the campus — he also contacted Mercy Housing, which is waiting for federal funding to build senior housing there — Brown says praise should go to the community council and major donors.

That includes Ron and Nadean Ross and Joanne Haselwood, who pledged $1 million and $2.5 million respectively.

“It was my number one priority, but I certainly didn’t do anything alone,” he said. “A lot of the credit goes to the leaders on the CK council who have continually pushed in good times and bad to see the community campus built.”

Charter membership registration for the Silverdale Y will be offered in September, but members of the Kitsap Family YMCA will have the option of expanding their memberships starting July 1 to visit other YMCA branches operated by the YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties. The two entities will merge July 1. The expanded membership will include the Silverdale Y once it opens.

YMCA Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities for the Haselwood Family YMCA Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Regal Cinemas off NW Randall Way. YMCA officials will be on hand to talk about the project.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/03/ymca-groundbreaking-long-time-coming-for-central/#ixzz0qaBOfjr3
 

SILVERDALE — It has taken about 11 years, and at times progress seemed to move at a snails pace, but the perseverance of original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council is being rewarded this month as construction finally begins on the Central Kitsap Community Campus.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Friday afternoon at the Haselwood Family YMCA.

The corner of the lot has already been razed to prepare it for construction. YMCA officials hope to have the facility open by next summer.

The YMCA is the first component of the campus, which is intended as a gathering place for the Central Kitsap community. It is expected to eventually become a hub for recreation and the performing arts, as well as the home of a new Silverdale library.

It had its beginnings in brainstorming among original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council.

Hank Mann-Sykes, a founding member of the council, says he suggested the concept after daydreaming about how to create an identity for Silverdale beyond the Kitsap Mall. He formerly lived in Kirkland and appreciated how the Peter Kirk Community Center in downtown Kirkland brought the community together.

Mann-Sykes wanted to see something similar in Central Kitsap. Council members got behind the idea and made it their own, and began the at times painstakingly slow process of seeing that dream become a reality.

“I’m beside myself every day with enthusiasm and excitement,” Mann-Sykes said of the pending construction. “I’ve waited a long time to see it happen. I just hope I’m alive to see it completed.”

Four county commissioners representing Central Kitsap have played a role establishing the campus. Past commissioner Patty Lent is credited with breathing life into the project when she orchestrated the real estate deal that resulted in the county purchasing most of the land needed to house the campus.

The 12-acre site is located along NW Randall Way in Silverdale between the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and the movie theaters.

Current county Commissioner Josh Brown is credited with courting the YMCA for the site. Former commissioners Phil Best and Tim Botkin are also cited as contributing to the project and keeping it a priority at the county administration building.

Originally the Silverdale Y was expected to be 50,000 to 70,000 square feet and mirror the 77,000 square foot YMCA in Gig Harbor. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties — formerly the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County — is building the facility.

The YMCA has raised about $9.4 million through fundraising efforts, which is double what it expected to have by this point in the capital campaign, spokeswoman Michelle LaRue said.

If fundraisers can reach the $10 million mark in the next few weeks, the Silverdale facility will be expanded to 85,785 square feet, she said. The added space would be for a gym dedicated for youth programs and a “spirit, mind and body room.”

The Silverdale facility will have a climbing wall, exercise equipment, gymnasium, track and programs for children and seniors. It will also offer space to Harrison Medical Center.

It will have a larger pool area than Gig Harbor that will include lap lanes, a children’s area, hot tubs and, if the $10 million goal is met, a lazy river offering resistance for people using the pool for therapeutic purposes, LaRue said.

While Brown has been instrumental in securing tenants for the campus — he also contacted Mercy Housing, which is waiting for federal funding to build senior housing there — Brown says praise should go to the community council and major donors.

That includes Ron and Nadean Ross and Joanne Haselwood, who pledged $1 million and $2.5 million respectively.

“It was my number one priority, but I certainly didn’t do anything alone,” he said. “A lot of the credit goes to the leaders on the CK council who have continually pushed in good times and bad to see the community campus built.”

Charter membership registration for the Silverdale Y will be offered in September, but members of the Kitsap Family YMCA will have the option of expanding their memberships starting July 1 to visit other YMCA branches operated by the YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties. The two entities will merge July 1. The expanded membership will include the Silverdale Y once it opens.

YMCA Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities for the Haselwood Family YMCA Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Regal Cinemas off NW Randall Way. YMCA officials will be on hand to talk about the project.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/03/ymca-groundbreaking-long-time-coming-for-central/#ixzz0qaBOfjr3
 

SILVERDALE — It has taken about 11 years, and at times progress seemed to move at a snails pace, but the perseverance of original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council is being rewarded this month as construction finally begins on the Central Kitsap Community Campus.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Friday afternoon at the Haselwood Family YMCA.

The corner of the lot has already been razed to prepare it for construction. YMCA officials hope to have the facility open by next summer.

The YMCA is the first component of the campus, which is intended as a gathering place for the Central Kitsap community. It is expected to eventually become a hub for recreation and the performing arts, as well as the home of a new Silverdale library.

It had its beginnings in brainstorming among original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council.

Hank Mann-Sykes, a founding member of the council, says he suggested the concept after daydreaming about how to create an identity for Silverdale beyond the Kitsap Mall. He formerly lived in Kirkland and appreciated how the Peter Kirk Community Center in downtown Kirkland brought the community together.

Mann-Sykes wanted to see something similar in Central Kitsap. Council members got behind the idea and made it their own, and began the at times painstakingly slow process of seeing that dream become a reality.

“I’m beside myself every day with enthusiasm and excitement,” Mann-Sykes said of the pending construction. “I’ve waited a long time to see it happen. I just hope I’m alive to see it completed.”

Four county commissioners representing Central Kitsap have played a role establishing the campus. Past commissioner Patty Lent is credited with breathing life into the project when she orchestrated the real estate deal that resulted in the county purchasing most of the land needed to house the campus.

The 12-acre site is located along NW Randall Way in Silverdale between the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and the movie theaters.

Current county Commissioner Josh Brown is credited with courting the YMCA for the site. Former commissioners Phil Best and Tim Botkin are also cited as contributing to the project and keeping it a priority at the county administration building.

Originally the Silverdale Y was expected to be 50,000 to 70,000 square feet and mirror the 77,000 square foot YMCA in Gig Harbor. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties — formerly the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County — is building the facility.

The YMCA has raised about $9.4 million through fundraising efforts, which is double what it expected to have by this point in the capital campaign, spokeswoman Michelle LaRue said.

If fundraisers can reach the $10 million mark in the next few weeks, the Silverdale facility will be expanded to 85,785 square feet, she said. The added space would be for a gym dedicated for youth programs and a “spirit, mind and body room.”

The Silverdale facility will have a climbing wall, exercise equipment, gymnasium, track and programs for children and seniors. It will also offer space to Harrison Medical Center.

It will have a larger pool area than Gig Harbor that will include lap lanes, a children’s area, hot tubs and, if the $10 million goal is met, a lazy river offering resistance for people using the pool for therapeutic purposes, LaRue said.

While Brown has been instrumental in securing tenants for the campus — he also contacted Mercy Housing, which is waiting for federal funding to build senior housing there — Brown says praise should go to the community council and major donors.

That includes Ron and Nadean Ross and Joanne Haselwood, who pledged $1 million and $2.5 million respectively.

“It was my number one priority, but I certainly didn’t do anything alone,” he said. “A lot of the credit goes to the leaders on the CK council who have continually pushed in good times and bad to see the community campus built.”

Charter membership registration for the Silverdale Y will be offered in September, but members of the Kitsap Family YMCA will have the option of expanding their memberships starting July 1 to visit other YMCA branches operated by the YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties. The two entities will merge July 1. The expanded membership will include the Silverdale Y once it opens.

YMCA Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities for the Haselwood Family YMCA Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Regal Cinemas off NW Randall Way. YMCA officials will be on hand to talk about the project.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/03/ymca-groundbreaking-long-time-coming-for-central/#ixzz0qaBOfjr3
 

SILVERDALE — It has taken about 11 years, and at times progress seemed to move at a snails pace, but the perseverance of original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council is being rewarded this month as construction finally begins on the Central Kitsap Community Campus.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Friday afternoon at the Haselwood Family YMCA.

The corner of the lot has already been razed to prepare it for construction. YMCA officials hope to have the facility open by next summer.

The YMCA is the first component of the campus, which is intended as a gathering place for the Central Kitsap community. It is expected to eventually become a hub for recreation and the performing arts, as well as the home of a new Silverdale library.

It had its beginnings in brainstorming among original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council.

Hank Mann-Sykes, a founding member of the council, says he suggested the concept after daydreaming about how to create an identity for Silverdale beyond the Kitsap Mall. He formerly lived in Kirkland and appreciated how the Peter Kirk Community Center in downtown Kirkland brought the community together.

Mann-Sykes wanted to see something similar in Central Kitsap. Council members got behind the idea and made it their own, and began the at times painstakingly slow process of seeing that dream become a reality.

“I’m beside myself every day with enthusiasm and excitement,” Mann-Sykes said of the pending construction. “I’ve waited a long time to see it happen. I just hope I’m alive to see it completed.”

Four county commissioners representing Central Kitsap have played a role establishing the campus. Past commissioner Patty Lent is credited with breathing life into the project when she orchestrated the real estate deal that resulted in the county purchasing most of the land needed to house the campus.

The 12-acre site is located along NW Randall Way in Silverdale between the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and the movie theaters.

Current county Commissioner Josh Brown is credited with courting the YMCA for the site. Former commissioners Phil Best and Tim Botkin are also cited as contributing to the project and keeping it a priority at the county administration building.

Originally the Silverdale Y was expected to be 50,000 to 70,000 square feet and mirror the 77,000 square foot YMCA in Gig Harbor. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties — formerly the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County — is building the facility.

The YMCA has raised about $9.4 million through fundraising efforts, which is double what it expected to have by this point in the capital campaign, spokeswoman Michelle LaRue said.

If fundraisers can reach the $10 million mark in the next few weeks, the Silverdale facility will be expanded to 85,785 square feet, she said. The added space would be for a gym dedicated for youth programs and a “spirit, mind and body room.”

The Silverdale facility will have a climbing wall, exercise equipment, gymnasium, track and programs for children and seniors. It will also offer space to Harrison Medical Center.

It will have a larger pool area than Gig Harbor that will include lap lanes, a children’s area, hot tubs and, if the $10 million goal is met, a lazy river offering resistance for people using the pool for therapeutic purposes, LaRue said.

While Brown has been instrumental in securing tenants for the campus — he also contacted Mercy Housing, which is waiting for federal funding to build senior housing there — Brown says praise should go to the community council and major donors.

That includes Ron and Nadean Ross and Joanne Haselwood, who pledged $1 million and $2.5 million respectively.

“It was my number one priority, but I certainly didn’t do anything alone,” he said. “A lot of the credit goes to the leaders on the CK council who have continually pushed in good times and bad to see the community campus built.”

Charter membership registration for the Silverdale Y will be offered in September, but members of the Kitsap Family YMCA will have the option of expanding their memberships starting July 1 to visit other YMCA branches operated by the YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties. The two entities will merge July 1. The expanded membership will include the Silverdale Y once it opens.

YMCA Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities for the Haselwood Family YMCA Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Regal Cinemas off NW Randall Way. YMCA officials will be on hand to talk about the project.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/03/ymca-groundbreaking-long-time-coming-for-central/#ixzz0qaBOfjr3
 

SILVERDALE — It has taken about 11 years, and at times progress seemed to move at a snails pace, but the perseverance of original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council is being rewarded this month as construction finally begins on the Central Kitsap Community Campus.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Friday afternoon at the Haselwood Family YMCA.

The corner of the lot has already been razed to prepare it for construction. YMCA officials hope to have the facility open by next summer.

The YMCA is the first component of the campus, which is intended as a gathering place for the Central Kitsap community. It is expected to eventually become a hub for recreation and the performing arts, as well as the home of a new Silverdale library.

It had its beginnings in brainstorming among original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council.

Hank Mann-Sykes, a founding member of the council, says he suggested the concept after daydreaming about how to create an identity for Silverdale beyond the Kitsap Mall. He formerly lived in Kirkland and appreciated how the Peter Kirk Community Center in downtown Kirkland brought the community together.

Mann-Sykes wanted to see something similar in Central Kitsap. Council members got behind the idea and made it their own, and began the at times painstakingly slow process of seeing that dream become a reality.

“I’m beside myself every day with enthusiasm and excitement,” Mann-Sykes said of the pending construction. “I’ve waited a long time to see it happen. I just hope I’m alive to see it completed.”

Four county commissioners representing Central Kitsap have played a role establishing the campus. Past commissioner Patty Lent is credited with breathing life into the project when she orchestrated the real estate deal that resulted in the county purchasing most of the land needed to house the campus.

The 12-acre site is located along NW Randall Way in Silverdale between the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and the movie theaters.

Current county Commissioner Josh Brown is credited with courting the YMCA for the site. Former commissioners Phil Best and Tim Botkin are also cited as contributing to the project and keeping it a priority at the county administration building.

Originally the Silverdale Y was expected to be 50,000 to 70,000 square feet and mirror the 77,000 square foot YMCA in Gig Harbor. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties — formerly the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County — is building the facility.

The YMCA has raised about $9.4 million through fundraising efforts, which is double what it expected to have by this point in the capital campaign, spokeswoman Michelle LaRue said.

If fundraisers can reach the $10 million mark in the next few weeks, the Silverdale facility will be expanded to 85,785 square feet, she said. The added space would be for a gym dedicated for youth programs and a “spirit, mind and body room.”

The Silverdale facility will have a climbing wall, exercise equipment, gymnasium, track and programs for children and seniors. It will also offer space to Harrison Medical Center.

It will have a larger pool area than Gig Harbor that will include lap lanes, a children’s area, hot tubs and, if the $10 million goal is met, a lazy river offering resistance for people using the pool for therapeutic purposes, LaRue said.

While Brown has been instrumental in securing tenants for the campus — he also contacted Mercy Housing, which is waiting for federal funding to build senior housing there — Brown says praise should go to the community council and major donors.

That includes Ron and Nadean Ross and Joanne Haselwood, who pledged $1 million and $2.5 million respectively.

“It was my number one priority, but I certainly didn’t do anything alone,” he said. “A lot of the credit goes to the leaders on the CK council who have continually pushed in good times and bad to see the community campus built.”

Charter membership registration for the Silverdale Y will be offered in September, but members of the Kitsap Family YMCA will have the option of expanding their memberships starting July 1 to visit other YMCA branches operated by the YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties. The two entities will merge July 1. The expanded membership will include the Silverdale Y once it opens.

YMCA Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities for the Haselwood Family YMCA Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Regal Cinemas off NW Randall Way. YMCA officials will be on hand to talk about the project.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/03/ymca-groundbreaking-long-time-coming-for-central/#ixzz0qaBOfjr3
 

SILVERDALE — It has taken about 11 years, and at times progress seemed to move at a snails pace, but the perseverance of original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council is being rewarded this month as construction finally begins on the Central Kitsap Community Campus.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Friday afternoon at the Haselwood Family YMCA.

The corner of the lot has already been razed to prepare it for construction. YMCA officials hope to have the facility open by next summer.

The YMCA is the first component of the campus, which is intended as a gathering place for the Central Kitsap community. It is expected to eventually become a hub for recreation and the performing arts, as well as the home of a new Silverdale library.

It had its beginnings in brainstorming among original members of the Central Kitsap Community Council.

Hank Mann-Sykes, a founding member of the council, says he suggested the concept after daydreaming about how to create an identity for Silverdale beyond the Kitsap Mall. He formerly lived in Kirkland and appreciated how the Peter Kirk Community Center in downtown Kirkland brought the community together.

Mann-Sykes wanted to see something similar in Central Kitsap. Council members got behind the idea and made it their own, and began the at times painstakingly slow process of seeing that dream become a reality.

“I’m beside myself every day with enthusiasm and excitement,” Mann-Sykes said of the pending construction. “I’ve waited a long time to see it happen. I just hope I’m alive to see it completed.”

Four county commissioners representing Central Kitsap have played a role establishing the campus. Past commissioner Patty Lent is credited with breathing life into the project when she orchestrated the real estate deal that resulted in the county purchasing most of the land needed to house the campus.

The 12-acre site is located along NW Randall Way in Silverdale between the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and the movie theaters.

Current county Commissioner Josh Brown is credited with courting the YMCA for the site. Former commissioners Phil Best and Tim Botkin are also cited as contributing to the project and keeping it a priority at the county administration building.

Originally the Silverdale Y was expected to be 50,000 to 70,000 square feet and mirror the 77,000 square foot YMCA in Gig Harbor. The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties — formerly the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County — is building the facility.

The YMCA has raised about $9.4 million through fundraising efforts, which is double what it expected to have by this point in the capital campaign, spokeswoman Michelle LaRue said.

If fundraisers can reach the $10 million mark in the next few weeks, the Silverdale facility will be expanded to 85,785 square feet, she said. The added space would be for a gym dedicated for youth programs and a “spirit, mind and body room.”

The Silverdale facility will have a climbing wall, exercise equipment, gymnasium, track and programs for children and seniors. It will also offer space to Harrison Medical Center.

It will have a larger pool area than Gig Harbor that will include lap lanes, a children’s area, hot tubs and, if the $10 million goal is met, a lazy river offering resistance for people using the pool for therapeutic purposes, LaRue said.

While Brown has been instrumental in securing tenants for the campus — he also contacted Mercy Housing, which is waiting for federal funding to build senior housing there — Brown says praise should go to the community council and major donors.

That includes Ron and Nadean Ross and Joanne Haselwood, who pledged $1 million and $2.5 million respectively.

“It was my number one priority, but I certainly didn’t do anything alone,” he said. “A lot of the credit goes to the leaders on the CK council who have continually pushed in good times and bad to see the community campus built.”

Charter membership registration for the Silverdale Y will be offered in September, but members of the Kitsap Family YMCA will have the option of expanding their memberships starting July 1 to visit other YMCA branches operated by the YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties. The two entities will merge July 1. The expanded membership will include the Silverdale Y once it opens.

YMCA Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities for the Haselwood Family YMCA Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Regal Cinemas off NW Randall Way. YMCA officials will be on hand to talk about the project.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/03/ymca-groundbreaking-long-time-coming-for-central/#ixzz0qaBOfjr3
 

Charter membership registration for the Silverdale Y will be offered in September, but members of the Kitsap Family YMCA will have the option of expanding their memberships starting July 1 to visit other YMCA branches operated by the YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties. The two entities will merge July 1. The expanded membership will include the Silverdale Y once it opens.

YMCA Groundbreaking

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking festivities for the Haselwood Family YMCA Friday at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Regal Cinemas off NW Randall Way. YMCA officials will be on hand to talk about the project.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/03/ymca-groundbreaking-long-time-coming-for-central/#ixzz0qaBwnX5k