The growth in population and economic development in North Texas over the last decade is undeniable. At the Dallas Y, we know that means that we must also grow and change to continue to meet the needs of our communities.
In 2018, recognizing that plans for growth must be intentional and measured, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas enlisted a third-party firm to examine our service area to determine where we should begin our efforts.
The following year, the Y and our Board of Directors made a commitment to a new comprehensive growth strategy. The renovations, innovations, and strategies that have come about since, are helping the Y deepen our commitment to our existing communities and expand our reach geographically to positively impact the people we serve daily, and North Texas as a whole.
As untapped ground all around us is morphing into new towns, and small towns are becoming booming cities, the Y can expand our work in emerging communities, build relationships to grow our programming, and to make the Y’s presence felt in places it has not been evident before.. That is why we made the decision to add a Chief Growth Officer, Elise Back, to our staff team in 2023. Elise's early work has already brought about discussions with new potential partners regarding facilities and programming.
This new future-forward strategy has also changed the way we think about fundraising. We understand better than ever how our donors can influence today, tomorrow, and the long-term future. Capital, annual, and endowment giving are the pillars on which we continue to hoist our YMCA with our eyes cast on a North Texas known for its opportunities, its possibilities, its history, and its commitment to doing what is right. And we know the Y is integral to it all. We invite you to be a part of it.
Park South Family YMCA
For nearly 55 years, our Y has been a place of community for residents of South Dallas' historic Queen City district, offering preschool education, after-school programming, swim lessons, fitness classes, meal distribution, among several other programs supporting the well-being of our community – but we want to make it even better!
The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas is excited to announce that a brand-new Park South Family YMCA is coming in 2025 and will feature:
- A dedicated wing for our preschool with its own entry
- Special spaces for our seniors and community to gather for events and classes
- A new pool for our swim team and aqua classes
- Updated and modernized fitness center space and lobby
Waxahachie Family YMCA
Today, Waxahachie is booming, with an average of 130 new residents per month in 2023. By 2030, Waxahachie is expected to have a population of more than 60,000. As our community grows, so does the demand for more programs and services at our Y, and we have a bold vision to help meet the needs of our community.
With that in mind, Waxahachie Family YMCA has launched a $3,700,000 dollar capital campaign to renovate and expand the current building. The renovation and expansion will allow the Y to be able to double our membership to 14,000 and grow our programs four-fold.
Camp Grady Spruce
Camp Grady Spruce is YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas’ flagship camp. For 75 years, young people have come to YMCA Camp Grady Spruce to connect with nature, practice independence, find belonging, develop confidence, and become leaders. Families, schools, and community organizations are drawn to YMCA Camp Grady Spruce to help children grow into resilient adults.
The YMCA has launched a $5.4 million capital campaign as Phase I of a $10.2 million campaign to renovate and expand our facilities at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce.
These enhancements will include:
- New Ray Bean Cabins
- Ray Bean Dining Hall Renovations
- New Welcome Center
Recently Completed Projects
Lake Highlands Family YMCA
Semones Family YMCA
North Texas Is Growing
By 2030, North Texas is projected to be the third largest metro region in the United States, changing places with Chicago. This tremendous growth comes with opportunities and challenges.
Meet Elise Back
In 2023, the Dallas Y brought on Chief Growth Officer, Elise Back, to form new partnerships with local municipalities with a goal of making the Y's presence felt across North Texas, in places its never been experienced before.