NSC Exploring Wellness & Fitness Collaboration with YMCA
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.
FAQs
Q: What has been signed?
A: A non-binding letter of intent to explore a potential collaboration.
Q: Does this mean a new facility will be built?
A: No. This agreement allows both organizations to evaluate feasibility only.
Q: Who would the facility serve?
A: Students would be prioritized, with access also for faculty, staff, and community members.
Q: When will a decision be made?
A: If exploration continues, a recommendation could go to the Seattle Colleges and YMCA boards later in 2026.
Q: Will student access be affordable?
A: Affordability and equity are key goals being explored.
Q: How is the YMCA involved?
A: The YMCA would explore joint development and shared operations of the facility. An important part of our process will be to learn and build upon similar partnerships YMCA has with other higher education institutions in Washington state and across the country.