YMCA of Greater Seattle and North Seattle College sign letter of intent to explore new community wellness and fitness collaboration

Seattle, WA — April 29, 2026 — The YMCA of Greater Seattle and North Seattle College (NSC) have signed a letter of intent to explore a collaborative relationship that would expand access to aquatics, wellness, and community-building opportunities for North Seattle College students, faculty, and administration and the broader North Seattle community. 

Under the proposed relationship, the YMCA and NSC would evaluate the feasibility of developing a new aquatics center on the NSC campus — integrated with the existing Roy Flores Wellness Center and operating the combined facilities through a shared-use model. The vision is to create a welcoming, inclusive destination that supports student success, strengthens health and wellness offerings, and expands access to high-quality community resources. 

As the YMCA and NSC explore what may be possible in North Seattle, they will look to learn from and build on similar collaborations between YMCAs and higher education institutions. These models demonstrate how shared-use approaches can successfully expand access to recreation, wellness, and community spaces for both students and the broader community. 

“This is an exciting opportunity to build on a long-held vision for North Seattle,” said Loria Yeadon, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle. “For years, the YMCA has been committed to serving youth and families in the North Seattle community and we’ve been working to expand our presence in North Seattle by establishing a welcoming place of belonging — a place centering health and wellness, youth development, and connection. Exploring this collaboration with North Seattle College is a positive next step in that journey and one that could allow us to advance our shared mission in new, meaningful, and mutually beneficial ways.” 

“This letter of intent reflects our commitment to reimagining how our campus can better serve students and the wider North Seattle community,” said Dr. Rachel Solemsaas, President of North Seattle College. “By exploring a shared-use aquatics and wellness facility with the YMCA of Greater Seattle, we have the opportunity to advance student success, promote health and belonging, and create a vibrant community resource rooted in equity, access, and partnership.” 

In addition, the organizations will explore ways to ensure the facility serves both the campus and surrounding neighborhoods. That includes considering membership and access models that prioritize students while also welcoming community members, with affordability and broad access as important goals. 

The letter of intent reflects a mutual commitment to further exploration, analysis, and planning. If both organizations choose to proceed, they expect to define a structured feasibility process, including scope, timeline, and decision points, with a collective recommendation anticipated for their respective boards later in 2026. 

About the YMCA of Greater Seattle 

The YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility serving King, Pierce, Lewis, San Juan, and south Snohomish counties to advance equity and justice for all through whole person health and transforming lives through collaboration, belonging, achievement, and community connection. The Y strives to create an inclusive environment where everyone—especially young people—can reach their full potential in spirit, mind, and body. In 2025, the YMCA of Greater Seattle served more than 214,000 people across the Puget Sound region at 13 local Ys, three overnight camp properties, 40 day camp partnership sites, 59 Before- and After- School partnership sites, seven Early Education Center locations, and 11 young adult shelter and housing facilities. The YMCA of Greater Seattle awarded over $8M in financial assistance to ensure membership and vital programs and services are accessible to all. Learn more at seattleymca.org. 

About North Seattle College 

Established in 1970, North Seattle College provides learning opportunities for a diverse group of more than 12,000 students. North is the starting point for many students who transfer to top universities across the country. Strong academic preparation and advising services, small classes, an innovative integrated studies program, broad e-learning options, and a variety of partnerships with four-year schools contribute to student success. North also offers six bachelor’s degrees: Accounting with an International focus, Application Development, Computer Science, Early Childhood Education, International Business, and Residential and Commercial Property Management. For more information, visit northseattle.edu. 

Media contacts: 

Ayn Dietrich-Williams, Assistant Vice President, Communication & Marketing, YMCA of Greater Seattle  pr@seattleymca.org, adwilliams@seattleymca.org 

Mike Sprouse, Director of Communications, North Seattle College michael.sprouse@seattlecolleges.edu, (206) 934-7791