community summer 2021
YMCA Opens Shelton Branch What started out over 20 years ago as the vision of design utilizes lots of imagery to make people feel like the volunteers and community members to create positive youth space was built for them. and family activities in Shelton is now a reality. On March 1, 2021, the Shelton Family YMCA opened its doors. Since it was founded in 1844, the Y has constantly evolved to meet the unique needs in each of the communities it Creating a ‘Place for all to Belong’ for the Shelton serves. “This commitment to serving all people is core to community during a pandemic was not ideal, but the local who we are and our mission,” added Grater. team persevered and overcame. Local autonomy within a massive organization like the YMCA allowed them to set The new Shelton YMCA is an efficient building designed goals and plan the design for the new YMCA facility located to minimize operating expenses. This approach allows the on North Shelton Springs Road. team to deploy resources towards mission work instead of maintenance work. For example, there is no carpeting in the According to Jake Grater, Executive Director of Branch building, which allows for better hygiene, easier cleaning, Operations, “Our design goals were simple. Build and no long-term replacement expense. something that brings the entire community together and creates a sense of belonging.” Layer that on top of the As the first YMCA in the area, the Shelton Family YMCA local and national organization’s goals of diversity and joins three other Y branches within the South Sound inclusion, and the team created a space that is welcoming Association, which includes the Plum Street Y, the Briggs and engaging. Community Y, and the Youth & Community Development Branch, which is affectionately referred to as ‘the Y without “We were fortunate to have the experience of 2,700 other walls.’ vLYNN CASTLE YMCA’s across the country. We created a space that is an For Additional Information open concept, yet an intimate space,” said Grater. The southsoundymca.org
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