The YMCA of Chilton: The Place to Be

Published 4:12 pm Monday, January 27, 2025

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By Billy Singleton | Contributing Writer

In February 1983, the second of two public meetings organized to promote the establishment of a local YMCA was held in the large courtroom of the Chilton County Courthouse. The purpose of the meeting was two-fold: the election of a Board of Directors dedicated to the task of starting a YMCA program in Chilton County and, equally important, to provide the public with the opportunity to become members of the new organization. During the meeting, Don Sumrall was elected Chair; Curtis Smith, Vice-Chair; Curtis Baker, Treasurer; and Margaret Owen, Secretary.

Founded by George Williams in June 1844 in London, England, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was created to improve the spiritual condition of young men engaged in the industrial trades.

Concerned about the lack of healthy activities in major cities, Williams organized the YMCA to prepare young men to cope with the challenging conditions prevalent in their surroundings. Seven years later, the concept was adopted in America when the first YMCA was established in Boston, Massachusetts.

In July 2010, the YMCA leadership rebranded the organization to become known by its more popular nickname, “The Y” and expanded opportunities for membership without regard to gender, age, ability, race or socioeconomic background. Today, the organization is the nation’s leading non-profit institution, engaged in more than 10,000 communities across the United States. The stated mission of “The Y” is to empower individuals to reach their full potential, improve their well-being, inspire action, strengthen communities and to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure.

In May 1983, 24-year-old Larry Bowdoin of Prattville became the first Director of the YMCA of Chilton County. Accepting the position, Bowdoin declared, “I believe the Chilton County YMCA program can be one of the best and I look forward to the challenge of achieving this goal.” Officially chartered in October 1983 by the YMCA of the USA, the Chilton County facility would initially operate as a branch of the Prattville Association.

Utilizing space in the Clanton Facilities Building on Lay Dam Road, the new YMCA initially offered a series of exercise classes each Tuesday and Thursday night. The classes were provided at no charge to members or guests. Within a year, however, the growth in membership necessitated additional space. In 1984, the YMCA moved to a larger building located on the southeast corner of the intersection of 7th Street North and 5th Avenue North. In 1988, Rick Lussier of Birmingham became the new Director.

The dawn of the new decade proved to be an extraordinary period for the organization. In January 1990, Board Member Dan Nolen received the YMCA of the USA Leadership Award for his volunteer work with the organization. This distinguished award represents one of the highest honors bestowed by the YMCA. Nolen had served as a volunteer and board member of the YMCA of Chilton County since its inception.

In August, ten members of the youth swim team, the Stingrays, competed in the XXIV National Junior Olympic Games in St. Petersburg, Florida. More than 5,000 young athletes from the United States, Canada, and the Middle East participated in the competition. Members of the Stingrays, competing as part of the Southeastern National Team, were awarded thirty-nine medals and set three Junior Olympic National Records.

The year 1990 was especially notable because the YMCA of Chilton County achieved the distinction of being an independent association, no longer operating as a branch of the Prattville organization. The YMCA further expanded its programs to include fitness classes, gymnastics, ballet and tap dancing, after school childcare, karate, men’s basketball and a senior citizen’s club.

By 1992, the Board of Directors recognized that a larger venue would be needed to accommodate the continued growth of the organization. Director Rick Lussier and board members began soliciting three-year pledges from businesses, civic organizations and individuals to construct a new facility. After three years of planning and two years of fundraising, with financing obtained through First Alabama, Colonial and Peoples Savings Bank, the Board of Directors committed to the purchase of a parcel of property located on Ollie Avenue adjacent to the Clanton City Park.

Following approval of the design provided by architect Barry Davis, the Board of Directors selected the firm of Cottingham and Foshee to construct the new facility. The design included a double gymnasium for youth, adult, and team recreation; locker rooms for men and women; a multipurpose room for youth and adult programs; and a weight training and cardio center. Future plans included the addition of two racquetball courts and a walking track. The groundbreaking ceremony in October 1995 represented the beginning of a new era for the YMCA of Chilton County.

In August 1996, the completion of the new facility was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Two months later the public was invited to an Open House event to tour the modern facility. Adopting the theme, “The New Place to Be,” the YMCA of Chilton County affirmed its mission to put Christian principles into practice for its membership through a variety of programs to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body. Within two years, the YMCA facility would be expanded to add 11,000 square feet to meet the demand for additional space for personal fitness classes and enhanced programs for youth.

“The Y” has been a Chilton County institution for more than four decades. Today, the YMCA continues to expand its outreach to strengthen the community and focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. In 2024, the American Youth Soccer Organization, locally sponsored and managed by the YMCA of Chilton County, fielded the largest number of participants in the history of the program with 34 teams and 321 players participating. The tremendous growth of the program is best illustrated when compared to the 91 young people enrolled only seven years earlier.

The mission of integrating Christian principles into the lives of its members is an integral component of the design and development of YMCA programs. The Summer Food Service Program was created to help feed children and teenagers who are at risk of experiencing hunger during the months of summer when nutritious meals through the school system are not available. Additionally, after school care programs for children are a critical service provided by the YMCA in fulfilling its commitment to the community.

Concerning the mission of the organization, Chief Executive Officer Lori Patterson affirmed, “I believe it is our responsibility to address critical social issues in our community.” Patterson and her staff established the goal of increasing the number of programs that focus on youth development, social responsibility, and healthy living. Opportunities for youth include basketball, gymnastics, baton, dance, soccer, and volleyball. Programs for adults and senior citizens are also available and include Brain and Body classes, the Silver Sneakers Program, pickleball and other opportunities for exercise, recreation and fellowship.

The YMCA of Chilton County has been an essential presence in the community for more than four decades. The staff and volunteers continue to touch the lives of thousands of residents, providing opportunities and programs to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for young and old alike. As the institution enters its fifth decade of service, “The Y” will continue to be a foundation of the community through its service to residents of all ages and its distinction as “The Place to Be.”