The YMCA of the Inland Northwest, Spokane, Washington, recently purchased Sandpoint West Athletic Club with the intent of transforming the Idaho health club into a new Y branch.
Sandpoint West Athletic Club, located about 90 minutes northeast of Spokane in Sandpoint, Idaho, is expected to complete its transition into a Y branch by early December.
“Bringing a YMCA to Sandpoint fulfills a long-term goal to enhance youth development and healthy living programs here," Kendon Perry, YMCA Sandpoint advisory board chair, said in a media release. "We are excited to be able to provide the community with chronic disease prevention programs, a summer meals program, in addition to a sliding fee scale for membership based on household income.”
During Sandpoint West Athletic Club's transition period, existing members can expect no disruption to their current routines and services, Steve Tammaro, president and CEO of the YMCA of the Inland Northwest, said in the release. The Y will also be adding new amenities to the Sandpoint location in coming months.
“When the YMCA approached us, we saw a perfect opportunity to continue the same values and commitment to the community we have built with our members over the years," Don Helander, the longtime owner of Sandpoint West Athletic Club, said in the release.
The Y has considered opening a Sandpoint branch since 2012 and has conducted market research to assess the project's viability. In 2014, a local Sandpoint advisory board was established in hopes of ultimately completing the project.
Perry, the board's chair, played a key role in securing the Sandpoint location, according to the release.