SeaTac Mayor Ralph Shape tries out the climbing wall at the new YMCA in his city during a tour following dedication ceremonies. Click on the image for more photos from the story.
The YMCA of Greater Seattle dedicated its new Matt Griffin YMCA in SeaTac on Thursday, Sept. 3.
The new facility will open for members of the "legacy" Y in Burien and charter members of the SeaTac Y on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
It will open to the general public on Saturday, Oct. 3.
The 48,000 square-foot building features twp 25-yard pools for lap swimming. aquatic classes and youth and older adult programs.
The pools could become a very valuable asset for the Highline community if North Highline's Evergreen and Des Moines' Mt. Rainier pools close permanently.
The new Y also includes a family center, healthy lifestyle room, youth development center, community kitchen, meeting spaces, climbing wall, and full-size gym.
The facility is a silver-rated LEED green building.
Norm Rice, Seattle Foundation president and former YMCA of Seattle board chairman, described Matt Griffin, namesake of the new building, as the major fundraiser for the YMCA in the past 25 years.
"Every beacon has a light and Matt is our light," Rice declared.
Griffin is principal and managing partner of Pine Street Group L.L.C. and has been involved with the Seattle-area Y for almost 30 years.
In remarks inserted into the dedication program, Griffin was quoted as saying, "The YMCA is a vital tool for helping kids and families who have the desire, but not always the means, to reach their full potential.
"I grew up in a pretty simple background but I was fortunate that a number of caring adults took an interest in me and helped and guided me. I just want other kids to have that same good fortune."
Griffin was assisted in cutting the ribbon to open the facility by his wife, Evelyne Rozner, his mother, Dorothy Griffin, and several children who participate in Y programs.
