The Lacey City Council signed a memorandum of agreement yesterday, August 4, with North Thurston Public Schools and the South Sound YMCA to fund afeasibility study of what’s being called the “Young Child and Families Center.”
“The initial partnership of three agencies would help leverage to connect with other partners such as a military partner, medical provider, the Economic Development Council and other essential partners,” said Burbidge.
Lacey Parks Culture and Recreation Director Jennifer Burbidge said the funding for the study would be split evenly amongst the partners, with each to contribute up to $50,000 depending on the total cost of the study.
The project, proposed to be located north of Nisqually Middle School, is estimated to cost around $71 million. It would feature a 45,000-square foot Early Learning Center with 23 classrooms and 25,000 square feet for public use.
Burbidge added that the proposed Young Child and Families Center would cater to around 600 students annually. The Center would host family-friendly parenting and nutrition classes and on-site medical and mental health services.
The project will also feature a spray park, indoor activity areas for learning, a playground, an indoor family-oriented pool and outdoor adventure playgrounds.
“I’m hoping that this is a first of not just one, but maybe a few of this throughout the communities in Thurston County, and we can really help young people get a better foothold and establish earlier in academics,” said Deputy Mayor Malcolm Miller.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here