Skagit Y awarded Rural Community Grant for Burlington Early Learning Center project

MOUNT VERNON – The Skagit Valley Family YMCA is pleased to announce it has been awarded $2,500 through AgWest Farm Credit’s Rural Community Grant program to support much needed fencing and landscaping repair at the Skagit Valley Family YMCA’s Burlington Early Learning Center (ELC).  

The funds granted to the Skagit Y helped support the installation of new fencing and improvements to the Burlington ELC’s toddler playground in early 2026. These fixes and improvements improved safety and accessibility for the kids who play outdoors daily at the centers.  

The Skagit Y operates two ELCs in Skagit County and in 2025, it served 130 students providing care for local families with infants through PreK. 

“This is very beneficial for our staff, who can now implement more of their curriculum outside,” shares Tammie Young, Senior ELC Director. 

The repairs to the Burlington ELC’s toddler playground included repairing the fence, gate, and retaining wall, as well as leveling out the ground to improve safety for toddlers.  

“We’ve already seen what a big difference the new fence and leveled playground have made in our toddler space,” shares Makenzi Upper, Burlington ELC Director. “The children now have more room to play, explore, and move safely. Before these improvements, the space felt smaller, and the slight hill often caused the toddlers to lose their balance. Now that the playground is all one level, it’s much more versatile and toddler friendly.” 

AgWest’s Rural Community Grants provide funds to non-profit organizations for projects that improve rural communities within Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This includes efforts such as building or improving facilities; purchasing necessary equipment to facilitate a local program; and funding capital improvements which enhance a community’s infrastructure, viability, and prosperity.  

“The Burlington ELC plays a crucial role in the rural community due to limited child care options in Skagit County,” shares AgWest Relationship Manager Leslie Sanford. “It serves as a safe, nurturing and educational haven where young children can grow and play, with outdoor time being a vital part of their curriculum. A safe outdoor space means happy, healthy kids.” 

For more information about the Rural Community Grant Program, please visit AgWest Rural Community Grants.  

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The Skagit Valley Family YMCA creates positive community change through relationships by empowering the mind, body, and spirit of ALL. Beyond the gym and aquatics center, the Y also provides quality childcare programs and camps, and support for at-risk youth including housing, meals, drop-in activities and outreach programs.