Building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

Description:
As is the case in each of the full facility YMCAs in Tacoma-Pierce County, the Lakewood Family Branch is blessed with a beautiful facility. 2003 marks the beginning of the 12th year of operation for the YMCA in the Lakewood community. 2003 also marks the opening of 20,000 square feet of new facility for the Lakewood YMCA. Included in the expansion project are a youth gym, a game room, a large exercise room, and a Teen Center.

The Teen Center may get the most attention due to its uniqueness in Pierce County. As David Whitesell, the Director of the Teen Center points out, ``We need to be relevant and revolutionary", and the Teen Center will be just that.

The Lakewood YMCA also is the home of the Grace Gymnastics Program, winner of 4 of the last 5 National YMCA Gymnastics Championship titles. Coach Brian Muenz has built a legendary program for teenage girls.

On staff at the Lakewood YMCA is Larry Woodward, a licensed Occupational Therapist. His passion for providing services to a broad cross-section of the population has rapidly been expanding our programs for those with special needs. On Thursday and Saturday evenings is the Wheelchair Basketball program, and there are a host of other special classes that will fit any person with special needs. In addition, the Lakewood YMCA participates in the Special Olympics with weight lifting, track and field, and swim participation.

Contact person: Jose Gorospe, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (253) 589-1240

Address:

9715 Lakewood Dr SW Lakewood, WA 98499 (See a map)