THE SANTA MONICA FAMILY YMCA
Our History
The Santa Monica Family YMCA was first incorporated on April 19, 1901. The Santa Monica Family YMCA had its second start at a meeting held June 13, 1927 in the cafeteria of Santa Monica High School. Under the leadership of Dr. C. H. Lewis, our first president, the Y embarked upon a mission to establish a place where local residents could share “friendship and faith.”
Through the Great Depression and other financially troubled times, the Y offered many youth and adult activities including high school clubs, basketball leagues, and Indian Guide programs. Our first “real” home was at Third and California. In 1946, the Sixth Street property was purchased for our expanding needs. Thanks to a successful capital campaign, the YMCA in partnership with the YWCA opened the doors to its new facility on January 15, 1950.
The Y continued to grow with additional purchases and the development of Camp Big Bear. Other notable events were the founding of the Y”s Men”s Breakfast and Evening Clubs, our separation from the YWCA, and the official incorporation of the word “Family” into our name.
In 1983, the Y opened the Ralph W. Kiewit Fitness Center, the first part of a three-phase plan to enlarge existing facilities. Included in the Kiewit Center were a new fitness area with Nautilus equipment, a multi-purpose room for fitness and aerobic classes, and more space for our growing childcare programs.
1989 saw the grand opening of Phase II, which added the lap and teaching pools, two multi-purpose rooms, fitness center, and outdoor walking track.
In 2002, the Phase III Expansion project was completed to include a new gymnasium, racquetball courts, child watch center, computer lab, Teen and Senior Centers, weight room, and new Child Development Center.
Our Cause, Mission and Equity Statement
Our Cause
We are committed to strengthening the foundations of community through:
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- Youth Development — Nurturing the development of every child and teen to achieve their full potential
- Healthy Living — Improving health and well-being for all, and
- Social Responsibility — Motivating people to support their neighbors and the larger community through service to others.We believe that positive and lasting personal and social change can only come about when we invest in our children, our community and our health.
Our Mission
The Santa Monica Family YMCA is dedicated to serving the community by providing programs and services that enrich the quality of the physical, mental, spiritual and social lives of individuals and families. In all we do, we will be guided by principles of love and respect for all people, embracing diversity in all its forms to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility guide us in everything we do.
Our Equity Statement
In pursuit of our mission where all are valued and respected by the Y, the Santa Monica Family YMCA is committed to advancing equity for all so that everyone has an opportunity to reach their full potential and live life to its fullest. We nurture and intentionally promote a culture free of bias and injustice. We recognize the uniqueness of each individual person and celebrate all dimensions of diversity. We are committed to dismantling oppressive systems and hold ourselves accountable to identify and put in place long-term policies designed to eliminate racism and inequity. We commit to intentionally and consistently make progress to become an anti-racist, multicultural organization that advances equity for all and stands against all forms of prejudice.
Equity Guiding Principles
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- Lead with respect and empathy in all interactions and activities
- Recognize, value, and embrace all dimensions of diversity and work towards the greatest possible inclusion
- Foster a safe exchange of ideas, beliefs, and perspectives within/through the Y
- Advance social equity and bridge-building across and within all communities
Our Lead Staff
Our Facility
First Floor
- Service Desk / Reception Area, Member Lounge
- Member Relations Office & Administration Office
- Aquatics Center (Indoor lap pool, teaching pool, spa)
- Multi-Purpose Room (Patton Gym)(Not available at this time)
- Weight Room & Boxing Room
- Basketball Gymnasium
- Indoor Rock Climbing Center (Not available at the time)
- Men’s, Women’s, Boys’, and Girls’ Locker Rooms
- Child Development Center (Licensed Child Care)
- Youth Activity Room / Child Watch Center (Not available at this time)
- Family Changing Room
Second Floor
Fitness Center with Body Composition Testing (Not available at this time)
- 3 Rooms of Strength Training & Cardio Equipment
- Stretch Areas
- Racquetball/Handball Courts
- Adult Men’s and Women’s Locker Rooms (Ages 15 & up)
- Senior Center (Not available at this time)
- Indoor Cycling Room (Not available at this time)
- Multi-Purpose Room (Cayton Room)
- Roy Naylor Community Room
Additional items
- Free 3-hour Garage Parking
- Basketball court & leagues
- Swim Classes
- Renovated Locker rooms
- Showers
- Basketball Court
- Jacuzzi
- Steam & Sauna
- Guest Passes each year
- Video Screen Treadmills
- Free WiFi
- Healthy drinks and snacks from our vending machines
- Complimentary use of basketballs and racquetball rackets
- Free 3-hour daily use of lockers
- Y Store for purchase of swim caps, googles, and locks