The History of the Missouri Valley Family YMCA

For over 60 years, the community tried to develop a YMCA. In August 1967, at the persistence of Bismarck and Mandan businessman, a Board of Directors and Advisors was formed and $80,000 was raised to subsidize a three year YMCA operation. This is how the Missouri Valley Family YMCA got it’s start. The following dates were all milestones in the history of this YMCA. The YMCA is a vital and important part of this growing community and will continue to grow and serve the Bismarck-Mandan area!

1967: In November, the first Executive Director was hired with an office established at the Lower Grand Pacific Hotel in Bismarck.

1968: The YMCA had reached 1500 members and by January of 1969, 3340 members, showing the community was ready for their own YMCA.

1969: The YMCA office was moved to the old Elks Club for increased office and program areas. The YMCA used nine gymnasiums around the community and the Job Corps swimming pool.

1969: The Board decided to conduct a capital campaign to raise funds for the purchase of a site and construction of a YMCA facility with a swimming pool and gymnasium.

1971: The YMCA opened a new indoor pool at the corner of Washington and Divide including all purpose areas, classrooms and locker rooms.

1974: A capital campaign was conducted for the construction of a gym, track, two racquetball courts, classrooms for preschool and grade-school programs, and Men’s and Women’s Health Center locker rooms.

1976: The addition of a new gym, indoor track, weight room, locker rooms, racquetball courts and additional classrooms was completed.

1978: A capital campaign was launched for the mini gymnasium, four racquetball courts, Men’s and Women’s Locker Rooms, and a weight room.

1981: In partnership with the United Way, the YMCA implemented free memberships for all children, K-6 th grade in the Bismarck-Mandan area. The addition included a new gymnastics center, additional racquetball courts and locker rooms.

1982: The new day care program began serving 40 children annually.

1983: The YMCA nautilus center opened and served over 1000 members.

1985: Two acres of land was purchased adjoining the YMCA site.

1986: A $1.2 million capital campaign kicked off for a swimming pool, handicap locker room, extended public lounge and additional parking.

1987: The new pool was opened in December and used by YMCA members and the public.

1990: The preschool education program was expanded from 70 to 125 students at the YMCA and the day care expanded from 50 to 75 children with an after school day care and bussing program.

1992: The new YMCA pool debt was retired, March 2.

1994: The new McDowell gymnasium, Life Center, and Fitness Studio were built. A capital campaign of $1.5 million supported this project.

2000: A capital campaign of $1.2 million was launched to build a new Youth Development Center for additional child care and preschool education classrooms and addition with separate entrance.

2005: The debt for the Youth Development Center is retired.

2007: The YMCA begins a $2 million capital campaign for an additional gymnasium, expanded Life Center and remodeled Kids Gym for new fitness studios and classroom. Total project is $5.3 million.