Our Y
A Heritage of Service
The YMCA originated in 1844 in London, England. YMCA came to North America in 1851. Today there are more than 2,500 YMCAs serving 20 million kids, adults and seniors.
1944
The City of Worthington and the YMCA became partners to create the first YMCA. The first home was the former Union Congregational Church. Founders included E.O. Olson, Harry Rickers, V.M. Vance, John L. Olson, Henry Hagge, R.W. Lowry, C.E. Stower and Alvin Graf.
1953
The YMCA moved to the Old Armory. Built in 1910, many improvements and changes were made to build a gym, handball court, physical fitness area and offices.
1964
A $235,000 capital campaign built the swimming pool addition.
1981
$894,000 was raised to construct a new gymnasium and fitness center. Also, renovation of the “Old Armory” area and exterior of the YMCA was completed.
1987
A campaign for $460,000 was completed for lobby and entry improvements.
2009
The Y opened its doors at its current location on the Minnesota West Community and Technical College Campus, in Worthington, MN.
This new 45,000 sq ft new facility is home to many new members and hosts a vast variety of programming for the entire family for the entire Worthington Area Community.
YOUR Y FACILITY INCLUDES:
The area’s NEWEST, LARGEST, ALWAYS STAFFED, full service and 45,000 square foot barrier free facility!
- Full Gymnasium, (usually split into 2 ½ gyms.)
- Kids gym with Sport Wall
- Child watch room,
- Areas largest Indoor and outdoor(seasonal) Recreational swimming pools
- 6 lane 25 yard lap pool
- Diving well and water Climbing wall
- 30 foot Indoor Climbing Wall!!
Full service Fitness Area over 5,000 sq feet!
- Precor Cardio Machines most with Personal TVs,
- Precor selectorized weight machine circuit,
- Full Line of free weights,
- Indoor running/walking track,
Men’s, Women’s and Family/Special needs locker rooms.
Lobby, Vending area and small catering kitchen
Multipurpose/community room and conference room for meetings, classes, parties and rentals.
Our Mission:
At the Worthington Area YMCA, our mission is “To put Christian principles into practice that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body.” We are a Young Men’s Christian Association that provides memberships, programs, and services that ultimately help us to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.
The YMCA is a charitable organization that exists to serve the community where there is a need. Our service includes a variety of recreational, wellness, and social service based programs for infants though senior citizens. The YMCA will not turn any individual away from membership or programs regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, or national origin.