The YMCA was founded in London in 1844. Since then, the Y has grown into an organization serving communities all over the world.
The Skagit Valley Family YMCA, originally known as the Mount Vernon YMCA, was established in 1911 as a Railway Y, providing a safe, positive environment for men working on the railway away from their families. Here’s a peek at other important dates in our Y’s history:
- In 1941, the Y opened a new building on Fulton Street and had 600 members.
- In 1958, Herman and Grace Anderson donated 40 acres on Lake Sixteen to create Camp Anderson.
- In 1959, the YMCA Board of Directors sold bonds to build an addition to Fulton, adding a weight room, steam room, and locker rooms.
- In 1974, the Y changed names from the Mount Vernon YMCA to the Skagit Valley Family YMCA to reflect our true service area.
- In 1986, the Fulton Street pool and a parking lot were constructed.
- In 2001, the Y purchased the Bakerview Indoor Soccer Complex, now known as the Bakerview Sports Center.
- In 2001, the Y took over operations of the Oasis Teen Shelter, and assumed complete financial responsibility for the program in 2005.
- In 2018, the Y broke ground on its new Hoag Road building, which opened to the public in 2019.
As our history shows, we’ve grown and expanded with the times to serve the needs of our community. We look forward to what the future holds for our organization and for the greater Skagit community!