Our Mission

The Walla Walla YMCA is dedicated to the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and committed to building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body.

 

Our Focus

The Y’s 1886 charter contemplated serving 13 rural communities from Athena to Prescott. Today’s Y continues to seek opportunities to partner with other nonprofits, school districts, city management, churches and businesses in these communities.  We are a cause-driven organization that believes a strong community is best achieved when we invest in our youth, our health, and our neighbors. We do this through our attention to:

Youth Development

       Nurturing the potential of every child and teen.

Healthy Living

      Improving our communities’ health & well-being.

Social Responsibility

      Giving back and providing support to our neighbors.

 

Opportunities for All

We are here for everyone. Our programs, services and initiatives help kids realize their potential, offer ways for families to enjoy time together, and enable individuals to live their healthiest lives. We welcome everyone to find their Y! 

 

Our Y’s Amenities

  • Pools - 25 meter, 2 warm pools
  • Group Exercise classes - online and onsite
  • Personal Training 
  • 3 Full Court Gymnasiums
  • Handball/Racquetball Courts
  • Large Wellness Center with state-of-the-art cardio & strength training equipment and trained, helpful staff
  • Child Watch drop-in childcare for ages 6 months to 5 years
  • Youth Action Zone for ages 6-18 years
  • Men’s & Women’s Center Locker Rooms including Sauna, Steam Room & Jacuzzi
  • Unisex ADA Compliant Changing Rooms
  • Group Exercise Rooms
  • Outdoor Play Field
  • Climbing Wall
  • Technology Learning Center

 

Our History

The Walla Walla YMCA was founded in 1886 as the town was evolving from its early years as a frontier outpost to become a thriving farming and business center. From its earliest years in a variety of locations, the Y provided a gathering place for leisurely get-togethers and reading. In the early 1900s funding was secured to build a new facility at South Second Street to provide sports, reading rooms, sleeping quarters, practical talks and swimming.

 

In the 1970s a campaign was initiated to raise funds for a new facility, where the original high school resided. This is our current location, in which we have continued to expand both space and programs over the years. For generations, the Walla Walla YMCA has served as a cornerstone of caring for youth, individuals and families.

 

The Y has provided countless memories to young men and women who spent hours playing basketball, camping, and swimming. The history of Walla Walla includes the important role that the YMCA has played in shaping generations of well-rounded youth and future leaders of the community.