The city of Snoqualmie has set the groundbreaking for the new Snoqualmie Community Center and YMCA for April of 2011. Construction is expected to wrap up next fall.

Upon completion, the community center will be maintained and operated by the Y of Greater Seattle (formerly YMCA of Greater Seattle).

Following a public request for proposals for a development team to finance, design, construct, and equip the center, an evaluation panel recommended the development team of Wallace Properties, Lance Mueller & Associates (LMA), and GLY Construction. They were awarded the project.

The development team will hold a public meeting, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24, at Snoqualmie City Hall, 38624 S.E. River St.

At the meeting, Mayor Matt Larson will provide a brief history of the planning of the community center. The development team will present an overview of their proposal and gather input from participants about the design of the new facility and preferences for programming. Design illustrations will be on display.

The development team proposed a facility of 11,895 square feet. The design includes a gym (3,700 square feet), a cardiovascular workout room (2,100 square feet), four multi-purpose rooms (one with a kitchenette), and family changing rooms with showers.

The budget for the center—including all permitting, pre-construction work, and equipment—is slightly lower than $4 million. The funds are provided by developer mitigation fees designated to be used specifically for a community center, Snoqualmie Tribe casino impact fees, and City of Snoqualmie real estate excise tax from the sale of homes. The construction and operation will not require additional taxes.

Last March, the council approved a maintenance and operations agreement with the YMCA of Greater Seattle to operate the center at no cost to the city in return for use of the city’s facility.

The Snoqualmie Parks & Recreation Department is holding a survey on indoor and outdoor programming needs. Learn more at www.cityofsnoqualmie.org.