Gordon Family YMCA reports membership gains, asks Sumner to amend 2013 services agreement

Jenna Laymon, executive director of the Gordon Family YMCA, told the Sumner City Council at a study session on April 27 that the Y’s membership and program use are growing and that the organization is seeking a formal amendment to the city’s services agreement.

Laymon said the Y’s April average membership was about 2,100 and that the facility sees roughly 81,000 visits per month. She said the Gordon Y distributed about $41,000 in scholarships year‑to‑date (down from a previous planning estimate) and that about 11% of members receive financial assistance each month. She highlighted community services including a quarterly guest pass for Sumner residents, a community shower program that operates from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., teen late‑night programming for grades 6–12, and other outreach.

“One thing I’m most proud of, though, is 252 youth in foster care received free memberships at the Gordon Y in 2025,” Laymon said.

City Administrator Jason Wilson and staff reminded council that a 2019 services agreement (separate from the original 2013 agreement tied to a land donation) concluded in December 2024, but the Y continued providing the services through 2025 and into 2026. Staff said the amendment that will be before council at the May 18 regular meeting reflects those continuing services and extends commitments through September 2027, with a plan to revisit the partnership before that date.

Council members asked about capacity and staffing constraints. Laymon said the facility was built for roughly 24,000 square feet of program space and that staffing — currently just over 300 employees, expanding toward summer hires — is the main limit to opening more class slots. She said the Y adds classes incrementally and prioritizes program quality over crowding.

Council members also asked about fields and lights for outdoor sports; YMCA and council members said field development requires additional fundraising and community partnership. Jason Wilson confirmed the city donated the land that enabled the Y’s facility and that the amendment reflects the city‑Y partnership in services exchange for those donations.

The amendment will be placed on the May 18 council agenda for formal consideration; staff said they expect to continue regular updates on the partnership.