Submitted by Whatcom Family YMCA
Earlier this year, the YMCA building in Ferndale was purchased by The Locker Room (KoenLock, LLC), and the Whatcom Family YMCA was informed their lease would not be renewed. As the Y navigates the COVID-19 health crisis, it has determined it is not financially viable or prudent to reopen given the time remaining on their lease. Thus, the YMCA has made the very difficult decision to permanently close the Ferndale location effective June 1, 2020.
“While we are disheartened by this closure, we are proud of all we have accomplished in the 30 years we have been here,” said Bill Ziels, CEO of the Whatcom Family YMCA. “The Y would like to thank Ferndale for its dedicated staff, members, quality programming, and annual support. Together, we have nurtured the potential of children, enhanced health, and provided vital services to the community.”
This closure marks the end of this YMCA facility, but it is not the end of the Y’s presence in Ferndale and the surrounding area. Local Y programs have continuously expanded outside of their physical locations, and the Whatcom Y has every intention to do the same in this instance.
“Though fitness centers have historically been the face of the YMCA, we can make a positive impact without a specific building or set of walls,” said Ziels. “Equipped with people and passion, the Y will explore all options to offer programs again safely when the time is right.”
The Y has been part of the Whatcom Community for over a century. Its current Ferndale location of 5610 Barrett Road has housed the organization since 1990.
To learn more about the Y, please visit whatcomymca.org.
