Community October 15, 2024

Haselwood Family YMCA: Fitness, Fun and Philanthropy

The Haselwood Family YMCA in Silverdale offers many fitness and educational opportunities for our local community. Whether in the gym, the pool, or a personal development class, there is something for all ages to enjoy.

Amenities at the Haselwood Family YMCA

There are many amenities directly related to health and fitness. The aquatics center contains a lap pool, activity pool, splash pad, lazy river, and a hot tub. In addition, there are lifeguards posted throughout the pool area for safety. Instructors teach swim lessons and group exercise classes as well.

The gym is another big feature of the YMCA. There is a weightlifting area and track for running laps. Members can hire a personal trainer for specific fitness goals and track their progress on the YMCA mobile app. The group exercise schedule is jam-packed with activities daily. Many use the large open court to play basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. There are also youth sports leagues.

Young children can also enjoy the indoor play structure called the Adventure Zone. The rock wall is another fun feature. If you need to keep your children entertained while you are working out, check out the Child Watch or Teen Center.

Child Watch is meant for children 6 months to 6 years of age. The Teen Center offers games and even homework help. Child Watch has a drop-in or monthly fee, whereas the Teen Center is free.

Check out the video below for a full tour of the facility.

Classes and Activities

Another powerful benefit of the YMCA is the opportunity to take group classes. Group exercise classes are meant for all ages and ability levels. On their app or website, simply check out what they offer and then filter by location. You can also view their upcoming aquatic classes and swim lessons. If you can’t attend in person, try a virtual class through the Virtual Y.

There are also classes focused on personal development. There is a Little Learners program that supports children ages 3 – 5 in a preschool setting. The Youth Leadership Development Club prepares high schoolers for leadership roles in the future.

And, there are classes for adults. For example, Overcoming Financial Burdens will delve into personal finance lessons. All these classes and activities offer ways to get plugged in immediately to the facility. Lastly, keep an eye out for registration dates for art classes and youth sports leagues. Spots for these courses tend to go quickly!

Accessibility for All

If all of this sounds wonderful, but you have concerns about cost, then check out the financial assistance programs offered by the YMCA. You can access scholarships and other financial assistance. You can calculate your estimated rate based on income. Once you have that number, you can apply for scholarships. Additionally, any youth in foster care can receive a free Y membership. Also, there are corporate or military benefits you may be able to utilize.

The Shower Access Program is another powerful accessibility tool at the YMCA. Launched in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, this program has served over 4,000 community members. Those experiencing housing insecurity can enter the facility for free and use the showers for a half hour from 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM, Monday – Friday. Entry is cut off a half hour before the end time.

Donation Drives

The YMCA has a robust non-profit giving program.

You can donate independently, or there is an employer match feature on the YMCA donation site. There is also the option to donate stock options, mutual funds, or even cars. Another special way to give to the YMCA is to donate in the memory of someone.

Additionally, teens are invited to give their time through the Summer of Service program in South Dakota. This annual opportunity involves a select group of teens who spend a week on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Reservation. They work with local children, planning and delivering a week of day camp for the youth in Dupree. You’re also welcome to donate directly to the Summer of Service program.

The Haselwood Family YMCA in Silverdale is a wonderful space for family fun, fitness, and community. If you’d like to learn more about other local resources and upcoming events in the Silverdale area and beyond, check out our Guide to Kitsap County.

Community September 17, 2024

Retirement Resources in Central & South Kitsap

Kitsap County is a great place to enjoy your retirement. Whether you’re considering downsizing and getting more involved in the community or looking to age in place and enjoy your favorite hobbies, there are plenty of local resources to help you take the next step. From volunteer programs to dance classes, we hope this inspires you to explore what our community offers. 

Classes, Activities & Recreation 

Staying active and feeling connected to your community can be challenging as you get older, but there are many local options available. The Bremerton Senior Center offers a variety of activities for folks 55 and over. At the Port Orchard Senior Center, you’ll find options like arts and crafts, billiards, Zumba, and yoga. Learn the basics of square dancing, the official Washington State Dance, or show off your skills at the Kitsap Square Dance Association weekly dances.  If you are a fan of swimming or racquet sports, some options include the Kitsap Tennis & Athletic Center or Aqua Aerobics at the South Kitsap Community Pool. Additionally, there are classes and tournaments at the Bremerton Family YMCA, as well as Silverdale’s Haselwood Family YMCA. To enjoy outdoor hobbies at a discounted rate, check out options like Gold Mountain Golf Club’s senior discount or the Senior Citizen Limited Income Pass for WA State Parks

Another great community hub is Kitsap Regional Library. Our wonderful library has “Friends of the Library” groups in different branches throughout Kitsap County. You can participate in various workshops and assistance programs like crafting clubs, technology assistance, writing groups, genealogy resources, and more. Also, you can get help with insurance enrollment and address health concerns through the Peninsula Community Health Service Mobile Medical Clinic.

If you want to enjoy the library’s resources but can’t come to the library, check out their Mobile Services. You’ll be able to enjoy personalized service if you qualify. Mobile Services delivers library materials to healthcare facilities, group homes, and individual residences. 

Community & Volunteering  

There’s a plethora of volunteer options in Kitsap County. Some active organizations in the area include the Silverdale Rotary Club, known for its annual duck race, the Silverdale Sunrise Lions, and Silverdale Dandy Lions. Our office has supported a range of nonprofits, including Olive Crest, which supports local foster children. You can easily donate needed supplies to them or volunteer with them.

Other great ways to give back include volunteering with Parks and Rec for the City of Bremerton. The Puget Sound Naval Museum and Coffee Oasis are also recruiting volunteers to fill various roles.

Transportation

If driving is no longer an option, ACCESS and VanLink offer flexibility outside routed systems. ACCESS is meant for seniors and those with disabilities. An application and eligibility must be verified before scheduling a ride. VanLink is a shared-cost program that serves people who qualify as low-income, veterans, disabled, or seniors. Also available through Kitsap Transit is On-Demand and Dial-A-Ride services. The Foot Ferry service helps folks travel between Bremerton and Port Orchard without dealing with car traffic.

Housing Options

As you age, you might prefer to stay in your home as long as possible, aging in place. On the other hand, programming at a retirement community might sound enticing. To explore options, check out the Kitsap County Division of Aging and Long-Term Care for retirement resources and planning assistance.

There are a variety of senior living options with different needs in mind. For example, in Silverdale, you will find Encore and Fieldstone communities and Crista Shores, which offer a range of care levels, from independent living to memory care facilities. Another option is Bonaventure in Port Orchard. For veterans or qualified dependents, the Washington Veterans Home, built in 1910, overlooks Sinclair Inlet. Again, this depends upon your needs, and some services can be customized. It’s important to research each option. Try to connect with locals who live there or know people who do to get different perspectives. Many of our agents are longtime or lifelong locals who are well-connected. They can help you get more information if needed.

Additional Resources

If you want to learn even more, check out this 2024 Senior Resources guide. It contains contact information for everything from counseling to Medicare. You can also read about local hospitals, hearing specialists, different living options, and home health assistance programs. And, if you still have questions, our team of local experts is always happy to help.

Community June 4, 2023

Fun Fitness Classes Across Kitsap

Fun fitness classes abound across Kitsap County, no matter where you’re at on your fitness journey! There’s something out there for everyone. From energizing dance classes to yoga for youth – Kitsap County has a plethora of options for all ages.

Bremerton Fitness Complex in Bremerton

We have a strong military presence here in Kitsap County, which enriches our community. And according to their website, the Bremerton Fitness Complex is open to military members, their families, retirees, Department of Defense contractors, and sponsored guests.  This fitness complex hosts classes like “Warrior Workout” and yoga sessions. It has a full line of weight equipment and exercise machines, as well as a basketball court and a racquetball court. Visitors have access to the showers, sauna, and locker room. Additionally, the complex has an infant and toddler play area. This place is a great resource for those who are serving or have served. If you’re new to our area and in the military, you may also want to check out our military resources page.

Haselwood Family YMCA in Silverdale

A part of the Pierce and Kitsap County YMCA network, the Haselwood Family YMCA in Silverdale offers fitness classes and more for its members. You can participate in group classes, use the Y’s exercise equipment, and enjoy the swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna. The complex also offers a wide variety of children’s programming, from child watch to classes, to summer camps. Members can also access physical therapists, personal trainers, and coaches. It’s a one-stop shop for all of your family’s fun fitness needs!

Island Fitness on Bainbridge Island

Have you ever wanted to try Zumba or a cycling class? Head to Island Fitness for that and much more. If strength training is more your focus, they have a “Body Pump” class. Additionally, yoga classes and meditation sessions are great options that will help you find some inner peace. An added bonus of this great place is that they have four licensed massage therapists! Check their Facebook page or their Instagram for the latest info.

Kitsap CrossFit in Poulsbo

CrossFit has taken the fitness world by storm. If it’s something you always wanted to try, look no further than Kitsap CrossFit. Each CrossFit group class is led by a trainer who will take the group through a warm-up and exercise routine. Interested members are able to sign up for a free intro class. Have a child or teen in your life? The studio offers CrossFit classes geared towards those younger age levels too. Members will also have access to nutrition coaching and personal training.

Port Orchard Dance in Port Orchard

Have you ever wondered about the world of ballroom dance? Are you and your partner looking for a special date night (or two or ten)? The owner of Port Orchard Dance opened the studio in 2015 with the mission to instill a love of dance in people of all skill levels and backgrounds at an affordable price. Students can choose lessons that focus on everything from the fox trot to salsa to East Coast swing. The studio offers private lesson packages or weekly group lesson packages focused on a certain style of ballroom dance. In addition, the studio hosts open dance practice nights at local venues with no cover charge. Get into the swing of it and try something new!

Street Sports in Poulsbo and Silverdale

Street Sports has two branches in Kitsap County: one in Silverdale and one in Poulsbo. They offer Brazilian Jui-Jitsu classes for children, teens, and adults, as well as yoga classes. According to their website, Brazilian Jui-Jitsu, “is a self-defense system that promotes dominating the opponent without aggression and with technique and leverage instead.” When it comes to their yoga classes, they are meant for all ages and skill levels. Want to try it out, but aren’t ready to commit? Both branches offer a trial week for kids and teens and adult trial classes. Get ready to improve not only your physical strength but your mental strength as well.

Sweet Santosha Yoga in Kingston

This is a dedicated yoga studio that offers a wide variety of classes. The studio offers everything from heated to non-heated classes, from a vinyasa flow-style class to restorative and stretching-style yoga. They also have workshops and special events. In the summer months, members even take their classes outside to a local park and bask in the summer sun. If you’re new to yoga, don’t worry. Check out their website for quick yoga tips and yoga etiquette to get started.

The Yard Fitness Club in Kingston

The owners of The Yard Fitness Club are a husband and wife duo who have embraced an active lifestyle. They recently moved back to Kingston, and their gym offers unique group classes, team training, yoga, and spin. In addition, the facility houses a shower and locker room, and The Yard offers nutritional counseling and supplements. Members also have access to high-quality gym equipment and a pickleball court!

We hope this list serves as a helpful starting point. There are many other interesting classes and fitness centers here in Kitsap County. If there’s another wonderful place or unique fitness class you think we should highlight, let us know on our Windermere Sound Living Facebook page. We love supporting local businesses and helping people connect with our community in different ways.