Stanwood-Camano YMCA

Stanwood, WA
Construction Cost: 17.1 million
Area / Square Feet: 47,500
Occupancy Date: September 2016

Efforts to bring a YMCA to the rural Stanwood-Camano Island community began in 2010. The building combines exterior materials such as corrugated steel and concrete blocks with interior finishes such as weathered wood and exposed concrete floors to reflect the community’s agricultural and industrial heritage. Interior spaces take advantage of greenbelt views to give members a deeper connection to nature while inside.

A site within walking distance of three schools, senior housing and several bus routes was chosen for ease of access. Proximity to schools was important, as the school district does not have its own pool. Because of this new facility, Stanwood High School will now be able to utilize the Y for competitive swim programs. The Y also provides afterschool programs and summer day camps for the district. Families have their own wing with a lounge area, childcare facilities, an adventure zone indoor playground and a community kitchen. The kitchen is used for daily hospitality purposes and nutrition instruction programs. The community room, near the entrance, serves teens and seniors by providing access to social areas for crafts and games.

Program areas were organized into relatively column-free spaces weaving in between the fixed gymnasium, aquatics area and locker room elements to allow for programming flexibility and change over time.