Our History

The YMCA of Wichita Falls first opened its doors in 1944 in the middle of a strip of downtown businesses. The organization grew quickly and the historic four-story building that sits at the corner of 9th and Austin was built in 1948. For many decades the top two floors offered safe, affordable housing to tenants. Currently the Downtown YMCA serves as home to corporate offices along with a full-service family branch, that includes an indoor pool and newly-renovated weights and cardio spaces.

The Bill Bartley Family YMCA was constructed in 1982 to accommodate the vastly growing membership base. This facility serves members through a full-service family branch. It was recently renovated, adding a Grand Entry, Tiny Town, Adventure Zone, and CORE Connection space in 2021 to make it one of the premier locations for any programs, social service, or wellness activity in Wichita Falls. 

In 2014, the YMCA took over as caretaker and leading organization for the Miracle League of Wichita Falls. The Y leads annual efforts in supporting youth with special needs through Miracle League baseball and gymnastics programs. 

With a community need to advance youth programs, the Stephens Family Gymnastics Center was built in 2019. This facility is a state-of-the-art gymnastics center that encompasses all ages and levels of gymnastics competition. It is the only sanctioned USAG center in Texoma region with many gymnasts already earning State-wide and National awards. 

The Isaiah 40:31 and Fain Sports Complex was opened in fall of 2020. It is a 25,000 square foot facility that holds a regulation size indoor soccer arena, 2 full-size basketball courts that covert to 4 mini-courts with built-in bleachers, training rooms, and concessions. 

Lastly, the Dillard Early Learning & Youth Academy was opened in spring of 2021. It is a child care facility that holds 10 classrooms, a library, commercial grade kitchen and cafeteria, multiple meeting spaces, 3 playgrounds, and staff training rooms. It was a part of a 16-million-dollar capital campaign that focused on new facilities to meet community needs. The YMCA of Wichita Falls is focused on being a leading Non-Profit in the community by maximizing impact in Healthy Living, Social Responsibility, and Youth Development.