The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was founded in London,
England. A drapery merchant, named Sir George Williams, to provide a
safe haven for young men in the city founded it. In 1894, he was
knighted for his lifelong work for boys. For more information
on the history of the YMCA, please go to http://www.ymca.net.
The YMCA of
Kings County history is recorded as early as 1917. Early programs
focused around boy’s clubs, camping at
Sequoia Lake, and Hi-Y programs. Service clubs were added, such as
the Y’s Men & Y’s Menettes. In 1936, the Kings County Y’s
Men’s Club was the first of its kind west of the Mississippi.
The first building for the YMCA of Kings County was located at 323
East 11th Street in Hanford in 1968. It was used and
outgrown within 10 years. Construction started on a new site in
1978.
In 1983, the YMCA of Kings County was
moved to 1010 West Grangeville Blvd. Where it still is today.
Currently, the YMCA of Kings County provides its’ members with a
full indoor basketball/volleyball gym, racquetball courts,
cardiovascular room, nautilus room, free weights room, dry saunas &
spas in each member’s locker rooms, outdoor walking track, outdoor
basketball and tennis courts, outdoor pool, park and pavilion with
briquette BBQs. The newest addition to the facilities is the indoor
pool opening sometime in 2006.
MCA OF KINGS COUNTY
The YMCA of
Kings County history is recorded as early as 1917. Early programs
focused around boy’s clubs, camping at
Sequoia Lake, and Hi-Y programs. Service clubs were added, such as
the Y’s Men & Y’s Menettes. In 1936, the Kings County Y’s
Men’s Club was the first of its kind west of the Mississippi.
The first building for the YMCA of Kings County was located at 323
East 11th Street in Hanford in 1968. It was used and
outgrown within 10 years. Construction started on a new site in
1978.