First of all, YMCA is a WORLDWIDE YOUTH ORGANIZATION, founded in 1844 in London as the Young Men’s Christian Association, and then in 1855 the World Alliance of YMCAs was founded in Paris and is now based in Geneva, Switzerland, since 1878. Supposedly it is the oldest and one of the largest youth organizations in the world.
Today, the YMCA has grown to reach more than 60 million people per year in 120 or more countries and welcomes men and women of “any or no faith” and of any race, ethnicity, or background.
Briefly described, the YMCA is A or THE “leading non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening individuals and communities…..” It is often written and spoken of as simply (paraphrase) the “Y” (especially regionally or on local levels) and wants to help folks “discover their greater sense of purpose.” (1) Connect with opportunities to improve health (2) support young people (3) make new friends (4) contribute to a stronger, more cohesive community for everyone—”The YMCA wants to create opportunities.”
What are some areas by which the “Y” works? Health, Childcare, Education, and Leadership—Well-Being and Fitness—Water Safety and Swimming—Sports and Recreation— Supporting Young People, New-Comers, and Diverse Communities What can you do to help? Become a member and participate in Programs— Volunteer and Help Raise Funds—Advocate in Your Community—Work (job) at the YMCA—Partner with the YMCA (individual or employer/ company)—If all else is impossible, YOU CAN DONATE!
Second, since 1885 there has been a YMCA in neighboring Dallas (and other towns and cities followed, also). I took swimming lessons there when I was a young boy, and played basketball there when I was a not-so-young boy! It was a “neat” place, as the lingo went back in my day! My dad told me he “roomed” in a YMCA for a while before he was married!
However, the YMCA in Dallas (at least the structures/ buildings) may not be there much longer, because it has been for sale since 2019, and there is finally a legitimate offer on this property at Ross & Akard. And it seems that there are no real plans for a new location in or near downtown Dallas.
It seems that the reality of this has finally “hit home” with more and more folks who have been going to this “Y” for 30 or more years. Probably the next use for the building(s) will be “mixed use” if it sells—probably apartments and the like. Now, from what I hear and read, people are not against the sale of the property as it stands today, but they want a guarantee that a new site and structure(s) will come to fruition in the future.
211,000 square feet is the approximate size of what the “Y” has now, but estimates say that close to or more than 8 million dollars will be needed to repair the structure as it now stands.
Currently, this downtown branch of the “Y” is operated and maintained by the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas— based in nearby Coppell.
And reports are that it serves 1587 individuals at this time, and the group is diverse, to say the least! Those who want to keep this downtown building as it is and where it is say this facility has a rich history after opening on Commerce Street in 1885 and moving to its current home in 1983.
One final plea for “no sale” before this article closes states the following: “We have people who come in and need an air-conditioner for awhile—or a cup of coffee and a shower—or just someone with whom to talk or share a soft drink. And these are besides the youth who have been served during the past years and still today.”
If you have never noticed the building, take the scenic trip to downtown Dallas and take a look. The T. Boone Pickens YMCA has fitnessbased amenities and provides childcare services, swimming lessons (like those I took years ago), and offices that house the workers for the annual “Turkey Trot.”……And then look around at many of the other downtown historic sites; you might be surprised!
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