Timeline


What started in 1844 in London, England has become the worldwide YMCA movement. As one of more than 2,685 YMCAs in the nation, the YMCA of Southern Nevada has a rich history of building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Read on to walk through history with one of the Las Vegas Valley’s oldest, largest and most impactful nonprofit community service organizations.

1844

The YMCA is founded in London, England in response to unhealthy social conditions arising in the big cities at the end of the Industrial Revolution.

 

1851

There are 24 YMCAs in Great Britain. The Y arrives in Boston on December 29.

 

1880s

YMCAs begin building facilities with gyms, swimming pools, auditoriums, bowling alleys and dormitories. Income from rented rooms becomes a great source of funds for YMCA activities.

 

1943

The local chapter of the then Las Vegas YMCA (now YMCA of Southern Nevada) sets up headquarters in a storage room at Society Cleaners on South 11th and Fremont Streets.

 

Mid-1960s

Fitness trends bring new classes, including “physical fitness for businessmen” and “slim and trim classes for women.” Locals catch on that the YMCA is the national leader in aquatics training. Polliwogs and other skill-level swim classes grow in popularity.

 

1980

The 72,000-square-foot Meadows YMCA (now the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA) opens across from the Meadows Mall. It’s considered a suburban YMCA.

 

1980s and 1990s

YMCA programs keep pace with social issues and help members manage everything from stress to smoking. Volunteer opportunities, mentoring programs and before- and after-school programs thrive.

 

1993

The Meadows YMCA is dedicated as the William G. Bennett Family YMCA after the late chairman of Circus Circus Enterprises, Inc.

 

2000

The YMCA arrives in northwest Las Vegas. In an unprecedented partnership, the city of Las Vegas and YMCA of Southern Nevada combine forces to debut the Durango Hills Community Center, operated by the YMCA. The collaboration serves as a model for public/private partnerships around the country.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2002


The notion of an aging facility on Meadows Lane, now an urban YMCA, spurs YMCA leaders to take action. A task force of board members, community and government leaders conclude that reinvesting in the facility is the answer. Plans begin for a capital campaign and facility revitalization.

  

 

2003


The Meadows YMCA is renamed the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA after the late Bill Heinrich, a long-time YMCA supporter, and his wife Lillie.

  

 

2004


The YMCA receives a $3.5 million grant from the city of Las Vegas toward a new aquatic center. The parking lot of the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA transforms into the ultimate splash zone, complete with a beach play area, wading and lap pools and three-story slide. Aquatic programming doubles.

  

 

2005


The $8.6 million capital campaign concludes. It’s the most successful in association history.

    

 

2007


YMCA leaders unveil and rededicate the transformed Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA. Highlights include new Y marquees, locker rooms, a two-story rock wall, computer facility, welcome center and member lounge.

  

 

2008


As part of the Armed Services YMCA and Department of Defense Military Outreach Initiative, the YMCA of Southern Nevada offers free memberships to eligible military families and personnel. The program serves 500 families in a year’s time.

    

 

2009


The YMCA of Southern Nevada celebrates 65 years of service. In response to timely needs, the YMCA establishes Back on Track, a program that provides free memberships to unemployed individuals and their families. By year’s end, more than 800 Back on Track memberships are logged, representing a community value of nearly $300,000.