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HISTORY AND BACKGROUND OF THE RANCHO FAMILY YMCA

 

1985                 

  • The Rancho Family YMCA began as a result of conclusions made from the second strategic planning process conducted by the YMCA of San Diego County.  Based on the conclusions of that survey, it became apparent that there was a great need for a YMCA to be built in the North County, along the I-15 corridor, somewhere between Scripps Ranch and Escondido.

1989                 

  • In April, the Newland Corporation generously donated 6.3 acres of land in Rancho Penasquitos to establish San Diego’s newest YMCA.  Programs were initially implemented form a storefront operation in the community.

1992                 

  • August development donated $400,000 to the YMCA of San Diego County for the purpose of constructing the 5,000 square foot Teen Center/Multi-Purpose Room as the first phase of the Penasquitos Family YMCA.  The YMCA of San Diego County agreed to accept the donation and provide the additional funds necessary to construct the facility.

1994                 

  • The center was completed in November.  The Board of Management made a decision to change the name of the YMCA to the Rancho Family YMCA to better reflect the service area which includes the communities of Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Sabre Springs, Poway, Carmel Mountain Ranch, and Rancho Bernardo.

1995                   

  • In January, the new Rancho Family YMCA had it’s grand opening.  Now known as the Program Center.

2000                 

  • The Rancho Family YMCA opened a main facility with a full workout center known as the Wellness Center, an interactive outside pool, main pool, a multi-purpose room commonly used for group fitness classes, Family Fun Night, and Birthday Parties.

Today, the Rancho Family YMCA provides programs such as Gymnastics, Gymventures, Summer Day Camps, Aquatics, Dance, Martial Arts, PRYDE, Y-Guides, Youth & Government, Creative Play, Baton, PeeWee Sports, Personalized Fitness Program, Childwatch, and Administrative Offices.  The Rancho Family YMCA also has offsite facilities, which are located at Mesa Verde, POMMS, Canyonside Gym, Ericson Elementary, Deer Canyon, and High Country West.
       
 
 

HISTORY OF THE YMCA

1844                 

  • The YMCA was formed in London, England by George Williams and eleven other young men in an effort to find solutions for the immoral and corrupt atmosphere of the rapidly growing industrial areas.  Their goal was to provide a safe environment for young men and boys, with healthy alternatives to vice.

 

1851                 

  • Thomas Sullivan, a retired sea captain, read about the positive influence of the London YMCA and brought the YMCA to Boston.  It was so successful; it spread from coast to coast resulting in over 200 YMCA’s by 1865.  The YMCA brought a new concept of combining the spiritual, intellectual, social and physical needs of men.

 

1882                 

  • YMCA of San Diego founded by George Marston

 

1944                 

  • Women’s involvement as participants and volunteers

 

The YMCA is credited with the invention of volleyball and basketball.  The first gymnasium was also built by the YMCA.  The YMCA also opened its membership to men and women of all religious faith and of all ages.  Today, half of all YMCA constituents and staff members are

female, and half are 18 and under.  YMCA is the second most recognized name in the world.  It is also the oldest, largest organization serving youth in the world.