PHASE ONE IS COMPLETE!

Since the Dorchester YMCA was chartered in 1985, its home has been the old Cambridge High School located on Talbot Street.  In 1988, Dorchester County officially deeded the facility to the YMCA.

In order to open its doors in January 1986, many of the old classrooms had to be converted to program areas.  The gymnasium, which was built 1955, was kept in its original form.

In 2000, the YMCA added a heated indoor pool. The pool has enabled the YMCA to develop a successful aquatics program. Please look at the 2009 pool schedule. .

While the old school has provided a home for the YMCA in a great location, it has not been an ideal facility.  There have been continuing problems with the roof.  In addition, the older heating, air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing, electrical systems have been costly to maintain.  Finally, not all of the facility is well suited to the YMCA’s needs.

In 2005, the Board of Directors determined that a major renovation of the facility was required to assure the continuing vitality of the YMCA.  The goals of the renovation are to:

• Improve the appearance and functionality of the facility in a manner that encourages new memberships.
• Develop spaces that are tailored to meet the needs of revenue generating programs.
• Reduce the YMCA’s operating costs.
• Modernize the facility to meet or exceed, where possible, health and safety standards that are applicable to newer buildings.

The Board has approved a Nine Phase Facility-Repurposing Plan to achieve these goals.  Phase I and II are complete.  Phase III, which is the development of the Kid Zone, renovation of the locker rooms and rebuilding the entrance and halls is complete!.   The  Renovations will continue on an ongoing basis until all phases of the plan have been completed.

The total cost of the capital improvements is estimated at $3,450,000.00.  The Board plans to meet these financial obligations through an ambitious fund raising campaign, extensive volunteer participation and a matching state grant.   Members of the community are encouraged to contribute in any way possible.