YMCA

The Young Men’s Christian Association of Olympia, Washington was founded in 1889, but it was not until 1892 that it received its charter. The Y was incorporated in that same year.

The main structure of the present downtown YMCA was erected in 1909 and opened for use in 1910. The Board of Directors of the Association has endeavored to keep the facility in good repair. The building was renovated and improved in 1920 and again in 1940. In 1959, after several capital fund raising campaigns, the original structure was rehabilitated and a new addition was added to the south of the structure as well as in front of the swimming pool. Another 4,400 square feet was added to the facility, which was once again renovated in 1969. The renovation and construction changed the appearance of the YMCA giving it a current look.
Improvements included a men’s health club, sauna and steam rooms, two handball courts, running track and youth facilities.

In 1987, the YMCA collaborated with the Olympia School District to open before and after school child care programs at three local elementary schools. From that modest beginning, the program has grown to be the largest provider of childcare in Thurston County.

In early 1994, the Y embarked on a capital development program raising $ million dollars to build the first branch facility in the history of the Olympia area YMCA. Ground breaking occurred in June of 1996. On June 1, 1997, the community participated in the grand opening of the new Briggs Community Branch. The South Sound YMCA’s name grew out of the fact that the Y now had multiple branches. In September of 2000, the Briggs Community Branch opened a new 13,000-foot addition to expand its programs and to provide space for the Association.