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Celebrating 160 Years

We’re proud of our rich history and excited for the bright future ahead.

The YMCA’s impact goes far beyond gyms and pools—it’s about building connections, empowering individuals, and creating a healthier, stronger Greater Toledo.

Explore our incredible journey through the timeline below and discover how the Y has been at the heart of our community for generations.

1865

JUNE 25

The YMCA of Greater Toledo is founded

1865

NOVEMBER 27

The YMCA of Greater Toledo headquarters was proudly established on the second floor of the Hartford Building, located at the corner of Summit and Madison.

1883

The first YMCA of Greater Toledo gymnasium opened at Summit and Orange.

1891

DECEMBER 21

Basketball, invented by Dr. James Naismith, the first game was played, marking the beginning of a beloved sport.

1920

JANUARY 28

The East Toledo YMCA was established, later changing to the Eastern Community YMCA in 1979.

1921

DECEMBER 21

The South Toledo YMCA branch was organized.

1950

SEPTEMBER 1

The Central Union Terminal YMCA opened at 415 Emerald St. in Toledo, OH.

1979

Eastern Community YMCA

The Eastern Community YMCA Branch moved to 2960 Pickle Rd. in Oregon, OH, and continues to serve the community.

1995

Wayman D. Palmer YMCA

The Wayman D. Palmer YMCA Branch opened at 2053 N. 14th St. in Toledo, Ohio, where it continues to serve the community. An updated branch is set to open in early 2025.

2004

Sylvania YMCA / JCC

The Sylvania YMCA Branch opened and remains at 6465 W. Sylvania Rd in Sylvania, Ohio.

2016

Anthony Wayne YMCA

The Anthony Wayne YMCA Branch opened and continues to operate at 1330 Michigan Ave in Waterville, Ohio.

1905

DECEMBER 20

The Central YMCA branch was dedicated (423 Michigan St. Toledo, OH).

1920

SEPTEMBER 20

The first YMCA Railroad Branch opened at 1163 Oak St. in Toledo, OH. These branches, funded by the railroads, offered cafeteria services and sleeping accommodations for railroad workers.

1934

Joint swimming, dramatics, social dances, and school activities begin with women's groups.

1955

The West Toledo YMCA was established at 2020 Tremainsville Rd. in Toledo, OH.

1979

Wolf Creek YMCA

The South West YMCA Branch opened and was later renamed the Wolf Creek YMCA, which continues to serve the community at 2100 S. Holland Sylvania Rd in Maumee, Ohio.

1998

Fort Meigs YMCA

The Fort Meigs YMCA Branch opened and continues to serve the community at 13415 Eckel Junction Rd in Perrysburg, Ohio.

2005

Francis Family YMCA

The Francis Family YMCA Branch opened and continues to serve the community at 2000 W. Dean Rd in Temperance, Michigan.

2020

Frank & Shirley Dick Family YMCA

The Frank & Shirley Dick Family YMCA Branch opened and continues to serve the community at 5660 N. Adrian Hwy in Adrian, Michigan.

1918

YMCA Storer Camps opened.

1920

OCTOBER 01

The University of Toledo YMCA branch was organized.

1935

OCTOBER 20

The Central YMCA branch opened at 1110 Jefferson St. in Toledo, OH.

1962

The YMCA Storer Camps Hall of Fame was inaugurated.

1982

YMCA Child Care

The YMCA of Greater Toledo began offering child care services, now known as YMCA Child Care.

1999

The Sylvania YMCA formed an affiliation with the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo.

2012

The YMCA of Greater Toledo introduced Healthy Living Programs focused on addressing chronic diseases.

2025

A new home for the Wayman D. Palmer YMCA

The new Wayman D. Palmer YMCA branch is set to open in early 2025, offering an upgraded and vibrant experience for all members in a welcoming environment. Highlights of the new facility include: Modern Facilities: Indoor Family Pool with Lap Lanes Outdoor Splash Pad Gymnasium for basketball, pickleball, and walking activities Outdoor Park featuring pickleball courts, walking trails, and recreational spaces Expanded Group Exercise and Healthy Living Classes Close Parking for easy access to the YMCA and park Lounge Space for social gatherings and community connection State-of-the-Art Fitness Center equipped with the latest technology This new branch will serve as a community hub, promoting health, wellness, and connection for all who enter its doors. We can’t wait to welcome you to the enhanced Wayman D. Palmer YMCA experience!