Serving Salem
The Y opened in 1892 and was in several different buildings and the current building was constructed in 1926, and the child watch was added in ’56. It was the place to go — there was no other Community Center, there wasn’t The Hoop. It was just the Y.
“Several of our members who have been around for a long time say, ‘My parents would drop us off and then pick us up ten hours later.’ It was the place to go, it was safe, and it was a fun place to hang out, play basketball, and participate in different clubs,” said Kaitlyn Beals, Executive Assistant to the CEO.
The Salem Family YMCA serves over 8,500 members, plus thousands more who attend YMCA camps, Child Development services, or enroll in swim lessons or youth sports programs outside of membership.
A new building on Ferry Street
Currently, the Y is working with CD Redding Construction to build a new building at the same location on 544 Ferry St. SE. As of March 6, the progress of the new building includes demolition of the old buildings and clearing the way for the new building.
The new building will be 51,000 sq ft. will have a natatorium where the Y’s long tradition of teaching swimming will serve generations for years to come. They will expand workout facilities and multi-purpose rooms for individual and group activities, as well as a new gymnasium. On the main floor, there will be a large Youth Development and Y Childcare area for children of all ages. The second floor will have multipurpose studio spaces for dance, martial arts, group exercise and more. On each floor, rooms will be equipped with modern technology for classes, meetings, and club activities. They expect the full construction to take 18 months and anticipate opening its doors in 2021.
This Good Friday, the Y is hosting a Prayer Breakfast on April 10 at the Salem Convention Center. See the graphic below for more details.
Want to learn more?
Visit their website at https://theyonline.org, or visit their other locations in Monmouth/Independence at 870 N Main St.
Independence, Oregon 97351, or in Silverton at 601 Miller Street Silverton, OR 97381.
