Your New Salem Family YMCA - OPEN NOW!
After 128 years of service, The Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties is preparing for the next 100 years of success by building a new YMCA in Salem, Oregon. The new 51,000 square-foot community center has been constructed on the Y's original footprint in downtown Salem and is open to the community.
For years, Salem residents of all ages and walks of life have enjoyed the Salem Family YMCA's numerous programs and services. Unfortunately, the 92-year-old building cost over $550,000 a year to maintain, and the cost of renovation was prohibitive.
Construction began in 2020 with 70% of funds raised. Programs such as youth sports and childcare continue operation.
The new flagship facility opened in October of 2022.
The Impact of Your Y
The YMCA is currently strengthening its position to address social issues in Marion and Polk Counties with a focus on strengthening families and providing services across the entire age spectrum. Many children, families, and adults in our community struggle to meet daily challenges and reach their full potential. The YMCA is expanding its capacity to address both. Through the expansion of a new facility and program service model, the YMCA will bring a broad range of supports within easy reach of every child, family, or adult within our community.
Our new Y will act as a central hub for our community. You can learn more about our expanded program service model, or keep scrolling below to see how we're building for the future.
Project Description
Our new building provides the community with a high-quality community center for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. It stands in the same prime location, surrounded by shops and restaurants, the Oregon Capitol, state government buildings, public transportation options, City Hall, Riverfront Park, and Willamette University.
Salem has a long and proud history of successful public-private partnerships. Determined and resourceful efforts helped realize the Salem Convention Center, Riverfront Carousel, The Kroc Center, and a host of other projects that enhance our community. This project has benefited from the legacies of these public-private partnerships.
New Salem YMCA Highlights
Swim Center
Continuing the Y’s long tradition of teaching and coaching swimming, the new facility has an accessible warm water pool.
Childcare and Youth Development
Revamped childcare and youth development rooms with a dedicated entrance. These protected areas serve school-age childcare and summer day camp programs, as well as youth activities throughout the year.
Community Spaces
Community meeting rooms and lounges for Y programs and groups seeking meeting space.
Meeting rooms contain modern technology to support a wide variety of activities and events.
In addition, the building's first and second floor lounges offer space for informal conversation and connection.
Expanded Fitness Facilities
The new facility features three multipurpose training rooms with more space, all-new equipment, wheelchair access, and natural light. Group training includes dance, aerobics, barre, cycling, and more.
Regulation-size gymnasium
A new first floor gymnasium houses sports and activities for all ages.
Additional Locker Rooms
The new facility will feature separate family and adult locker rooms. Family-style (or universal) locker rooms will be on the first floor connected to the pool (considered best practice for child safety and family use). Updated and expanded adult locker rooms, including saunas, showers, and changing areas will be on the second floor.
Rooftop terrace and track
The new building features a rooftop terrace, community room, and running track for community events and outdoor wellness classes. The track allows runners a safe outside cardio area with spectacular views of downtown and the state capitol.
Café
The Thrive café on the first floor is a perfect place to relax before or after a workout and offers our community a place to gather and connect.