The Fauntleroy YMCA at 9140 California Ave SW is "at a crossroads" according to the Greater Seattle YMCA and is seeking public support and input to keep the facility open and financially sound.
Photo by Patrick Robinson
By Patrick Robinson
WestsideSeattle has gotten multiple questions regarding the YMCA Fauntleroy location regarding its potential closure. The good news? It's remaining open but the Seattle YMCA is seeking public input on how to keep it in financially sound operation. Members have received emails stating it will remain open at least through 2024. A town hall meeting at wil be held at the Fauntleroy Church on the same grounds as the Y on 1/19 from 4-6pm.
Vannessa Margarita Blea, Senior Director of Communications for YMCA of Greater Seattle shared a statement regarding this:
Fauntleroy YMCA Community Input Needed
The Fauntleroy YMCA is open and operating as usual. We appreciate your patience and thoughtful messages. Right now, we find ourselves at a crossroads with how we use our space at the Fauntleroy YMCA in a fiscally responsible and mission-impactful way – and we need our community’s input and support. We look forward to working with the Fauntleroy church and our community as we explore options. We will not make any hurried final decisions, especially considering our nearly 100-year legacy of serving the Fauntleroy community. We are currently in the process of reaching out to members for their collaboration and support.
January is the kickoff of our annual membership drive, leading into our Annual Fund Drive in February. Now is the perfect time for community to lean in to help revitalize our operations at the Fauntleroy Y. Please encourage your friends to join us on the road to our Annual Fund Drive kick-off as they begin their New Year's resolution to take care of their health. Get involved with our upcoming fundraising campaign by emailing us at cking@seattleymca.org or by donating today to help us get started!
It's certainly possible the facility could close should the organization's goals not be met. So will it close at some point? Blea explained,
"I would say no – we aren't there yet. It's more that we need to find out how to use this space in a financially viable way, and we need support to do that, might be a risk, but one we are doing everything in our power to prevent."
You can offer input directly to the YMCA here.
