Editor's note: For more than three decades, Jared Johnson has lived nearly every version of YMCA life: member, camper, volunteer, staff, and now, executive director of the Pearl Street Family YMCA. We sat down with Jared to talk about his deep connection to this Y, how the community has shaped him, and what he’s most excited for as Pearl Street enters an exciting new chapter.
This article has been lightly edited for clarity and readability.
Pearl Street is entering an exciting new chapter. What makes this community so unique?
Jared: Our members care deeply about this place. They don’t just use the facility, they help shape its culture. Mornings at 5am, long-time members are helping new staff learn the heartbeat of this Y. Groups like stroller-fit parents who gather for coffee, or the Row 2 Ballers with their annual coffee fund… these are real friendships being formed every day.
I’m most proud that our staff sees every person who walks through our doors as a whole human being. We meet people where they are, support them through all seasons of life, and stay true to our mission in everything we do.
Tacoma has changed a lot over the years. How has that shaped the culture at Pearl Street?
Jared: What’s amazing is how steady Pearl Street has remained. We continue to serve a deeply diverse community. Even long-time members who moved out of Tacoma still come back here because of the relationships they built.
We see four, sometimes five generations of families. When you see a kid taking swim lessons, there’s a good chance their parent learned to swim here too. The Y makes Tacoma feel like a small town. Everyone becomes connected.
You were one of those kids who took swim lessons here. How long have you been involved at Pearl?
Jared: I’ve been connected to the YMCA for 35 years, first as a member, then volunteer, then staff. Growing up as the kid of a YMCA leader, the Y was the center of my childhood. Swimming, basketball, soccer, all of that shaped my love for sports and taught me what community feels like.
You’ve been the executive director here for four years now. What does it mean to be the leader of the community center you grew up in?
Jared: It’s an honor. The Pearl Street Y has played a significant role in Tacoma for nearly 50 years. It’s both humbling and feels like a calling. It’s also special because I get to follow in my dad’s footsteps. He served as the executive here years ago, and now my own kids are growing up at the Y just like I did.
Looking forward, what are you most excited about with the new building?
Jared: Community is the magic of the Y, whether it’s two parents chatting during swim lessons or someone finding their workout buddy for life. I’m excited to see families finally be able to play together in the lazy river and splash pad, and I’m looking forward to seeing new friendships form in our updated weight room.
I can’t wait for people to use the new climbing wall and learn about our partnership with the Liz Rocks Foundation. They help inspire young people to climb and explore the outdoors while making climbing accessible to youth in an urban area. It all matches our dedication to youth development.
The New Pearl Street Family YMCA
