YMCA of the Inland Northwest is exploring the possibility of building a new facility on Spokanes North Side that could be similar in size and scope to the $6 million Spokane Valley YMCA that opened in late 1999.


Rig Riggins, president and CEO of the Spokane nonprofit, says its board is in the early stages of researching whether theres enough demand for a North Side facility and if the YMCA would be able to raise enough money to build it.


We think a Y could be successful there, and were looking at the possibility, Riggins says. If it turns out to be feasible, we think one up north would serve an underserved part of the county.


A decision on whether to move forward with the project could be made by the end of this year, he says.


The organization has identified a 15-acre site for a North Side YMCA on a larger property on the west side of U.S. 2 across from its junction with Nevada Street. The land is part of a 40-acre site on which a mixed-used development called Pine Water Plaza has been proposed.


A portion of the feasibility study will determine the size and scope of a facility that the YMCA could build there, Riggins says. He says that while the organization would like to build a facility similar to the one in the Valley, he doesnt expect to have a size or cost estimate for a project until more research has been done.


I have more questions than answers at this point, but I know what our desire is, Riggins says.


YMCA of the Inland Northwest, which was established here in 1884, also operates a facility downtown.


Its Valley location, which is located at Mirabeau Point and is visible from Interstate 90, is a 48,000-square-foot structure that cost about $6 million to develop. It includes a swimming pool with waterslide, a gymnasium, a weight room, and a youth and teen center, as well as some outdoor courts.


The Downtown Spokane YMCA, which is located in Riverfront Park, was built in 1964 and includes nearly all of the same offerings as the Valley location.