Branch History

HISTORY OF THE
WEST COUNTY FAMILY YMCA


The West County Family YMCA was established in 1965 as an extension of the Kirkwood Family YMCA. Branch status was granted in 1970 and the first executive director was hired.

For twenty-four years the branch operated as a non-facility YMCA until 1989 when construction of a 63,000 square foot building on 9 acres of donated land was completed. Prior to the new building, the branch was the largest non-facility YMCA in the country. When the state-of-the-art facility opened it featured an eight-lane indoor pool, double gymnasium, indoor running track, fitness and weight center, multipurpose room, locker facilities for men, women, boys and girls, administrative offices, day care center and a 370-seat theater.

A 6,600 square foot addition was completed in January of 1993, which included two racquetball courts, an expanded strength-training center, a multi-purpose room, aerobic studio and a youth strength-training area.

The success of the Vision 2000 Capital Development Program led to the construction of the 5,000 square foot Dierberg’s Family Hub and interactive center in 2001. The   additional space allowed for an expansion of the strength-training center.

Today, the West County Family YMCA remains one of the best facilities for health and wellness in the west county area.  Come in today!