128 Years of History
Since 1892, the Family YMCA of Marion & Polk Counties has been putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Adults, families and children have been walking into the front doors of the YMCA at the corner of Court & Cottage since 1926. As we prepare to serve our community for the next 100 years, it is upon this foundation and this legacy that we are building our Future Y.
1892.
Doors open on State Street for the first YMCA in Salem.
1901.
Salem’s Y relocates to a building it owns at the corner of Commercial and Chemeketa Streets.
1910.
Salem’s first indoor swimming pool makes a splash.
1926.
The Y dedicates a new building with 40 residence rooms, after a capital campaign of $200,000. This building is located at the corner of Court & Cottage, beginning the Y’s legacy at our current building site.
1938.
After welcoming children to the Y’s first summer camp in 1922, Camp Silver Creek officially makes it debut in 1938, on public land east of Salem. Camp Greider begins in 1978.
1955.
The Y opens a warm water therapy pool for individuals with polio. To do this, the Y’s therapy pool remains the only publicly accessible warm water pool in the area.
1974.
The Y begins providing before- and after-school child care programs.
2019.
Demolition begins of the building at Court & Cottage, preparing to support generations to come. In the absence of a primary service hub, the Y’s branches in Monmouth-Independence and Silverton, which opens in 1993 and 1995, respectively, continue to meet our community’s critical needs.
2022.
The Future YMCA opens. For you. For us. For all.