Redwood City YMCA plans approved

“I know what a gift this is to our neighbors,” Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos said. 

The project was proposed in two phases. The first phase included the Veterans Memorial Building/Senior Center, which began construction in 2021 and is nearing completion.

The second phase of the project will include a new 36,353-square-foot, two-story YMCA building reaching 32 feet tall. It will include a child care center with capacity to serve 72 children, both indoor and outdoor pools, wellness centers for its members. 

The child care facility add 24 new spots to the city’s catalogue.

The new facility — which is entirely funded by the YMCA — will replace the old Veterans Memorial Senior Center. The development will include removing 46 trees, retaining 34 existing trees, but YMCA agreed to plant 50 new ones. The development is estimated to take approximately two years to construct.

The city is responsible for the demolition of the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, parking improvements, landscaping and sewer improvements, all estimated to cost approximately $14.3 million. 

“This truly is a partnership,” Councilmember Diane Howard said. “[The YMCA] offered a real partnership because we couldn’t have done this alone.” 

The aquatic features of the new YMCA building is a highlight of the development. Councilmembers noted the importance of water safety and residents having access to safe, clean pools. The development will include both heated and cooled pools.

“Aquatics, swim lessons, water safety. We went for decades in California of cities getting rid of their aquatics complexes,” Councilmember Jeff Gee said. “Now they’re being built brand new … after decades of missing and neglect.” 

In the new facility, the YMCA will be able to provide expanded programs and services, according to a staff report.

The YMCA will offer open community swimming for Redwood City residents every first Sunday of the month, free quarterly educational seminars and workshops for residents, and community events. There will also be discounted membership rates for seniors and veterans and those in need of financial assistance.