Grays Harbor YMCA
Hoquiam, Washington State, USA

The new YMCA pool in Grays Harbor opened its doors to hundreds of kids and adults on June 2, 2001, the 150th anniversary of the YMCA. The simple classic lines of the pool and the related dry-side areas received rave reviews from both YMCA members and the general public. Prior to its opening, and in anticipation of this new facility, YMCA membership increased from 1000 to 4500 people, about one third of the buildings capacity.

The quality of this centre has also provided some unexpected sources of revenue for the YMCA, with the Aberdeen School Board contracting the use of the pool for High School swim teams and for Elementary children to take part in the YMCA/American Red Cross "Learn to Swim Program".

The funding for this facility was community based and required that the design team be extremely diligent in their efforts to keep the project on time and on budget. The project's fundraising consultant said that it is unusual for a nonprofit organization to open such a large facility with so little debt (only $700,000 out of a total cost of $10m USD). The success of fundraising efforts is a true sign of the support that members of the public have for this recreation centre.

However, the limited budget was not permitted to limit the amenities at this facility. In addition to complete aquatic centre, the new building offers two racquetball courts, a full size basketball court, birthday party room, aerobics room, computer lab, teen centre, and snack bar. It was the team's creative problem solving skills, vast knowledge of recreation and community facility design, and flexibility that ensured that all the project and client needs were met.

VDA was contracted by the local Architect to provide Aquatic Consultancy Services for this project.