The land has sat with an almost lonely feeling to it as the years have passed.

Its true potential recognized by some, but for most, a nice concept shrouded by doubt as the years have waned and still untouched by that first golden shovel.

Two large signs reading, “Future Home of the Central Kitsap Community Campus” have become permanent details of the background scenery. While progress has surely been made on what started as just a vision among Silverdale’s brightest community leaders, it wasn’t until last week a tangible agreement spawned feelings of rejuvenated hope.

Kitsap County’s agreement with the YMCA of Tacoma-Pierce County could be likened to a new dawn for the Central Kitsap Community Campus. Sure, its persistent supporters always knew one day the campus would be more than an artist’s rendering, but for those reading the headlines each year on the campus planning, yet seeing no visible action, it seemed as if it would only remain on paper.

With money already set aside for the YMCA and a plan for a capital campaign to bring in more dollars, the proposed 2011 grand opening is more than just a vision, it’s becoming a true reality. The dream started with the Central Kitsap Community Campus Task Force more than a decade ago and is now, finally, being realized. Kudos to those committee members who have long-envisioned a community campus for Silverdale.

For many years, campus advocates believed a new Silverdale library would be the anchor. It was an exciting notion — a brand new library that would vastly outsize the current facility in Old Town Silverdale. But, those hopes were dashed with Kitsap Regional Library’s 2007 levy failure. It didn’t take long, however, for new hope to be instilled in the campus with the YMCA plan.

While the completion of the facility is still a couple of years down the road, we are excited for what the “Y” will bring to Silverdale. It will be a true benefit to this community.