Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
The Kettle Moraine YMCA started as an idea to better the lives of kids, families and individuals living in the West Bend community. In an empty office with a telephone in the middle of the floor in downtown West Bend our first executive director began developing programs that were initially held throughout the community. Swimming lessons were taught in back yard pools and at the pool at the Holiday Inn; YMCA Indian Guides, Maidens, and Princesses met in homes throughout the area; and youth football, basketball and gymnastics were held at local schools.
It wasn't until 9 years after the conception of the Kettle Moraine YMCA, was there an actual Y building! Now, over 40 years later Y programming takes place in two facilities, 3 child care sites and numerous community schools!
1969
The Kettle Moraine YMCA receives its charter as a branch of the Metropolitan Milwaukee YMCA. On May 23, the Board of Directors hires the first Executive Director, John S. Murray "Jack".
1972
West Park Property site is purchased for the future site of a Day Care facility and main Y office.
1973
The Kettle Moraine YMCA Day Care facility is built on the West Park Property site. The original office moves from Hickory Street into the community's first Child Care facility. Kettle Moraine YMCA officially Separates from the Milwaukee YMCA, becoming it's own Independent Association.
1974
Two acres of land are purchased from the school district and six acres from Trinity Lutheran for a total of twelve acres at the West Washington property site.
1977
The Board of Directors embarks on an ambitious fund raising campaign to build a full facility.
1978
In October, the Kettle Moraine YMCA opens its doors to a full facility YMCA, featuring a gymnasium, pool, locker rooms, multipurpose room, and five racquetball courts.
1979
The Kettle Moraine YMCA began to offer child care for kids after school as well as a summer Day Camp.
1980
Endowment Development program is established for future sustainability of the Kettle Moraine YMCA.
1988
The YMCA Cedar Lake Child Care Center opens.
1989
The Board of Directors embarks on the second capital campaign.
1991
In June, a 25,000 square foot addition is officially opened featuring a second gymnasium, running track, warm water pool, whirlpool, conference room, offices and weight area.
1995
With over 6,000 members and a jump in membership of 65% over the previous 5 years, the Board of Directors determined that yet another building campaign needed to be implemented.
1996
In the fall, the third building addition opens featuring a third gymnasium, aerobics studio, expanded weight room and circuit center, and special needs locker room.
1997
Jack Murray announces his retirement and the Board of Directors begin a national search for Kettle Moraine YMCA's second Executive Director.
1998
Jack Murray retires after 29 years of leadership at the Kettle Moraine YMCA and on January 14, Jon T. Lange is installed as the second Executive Director.
2000
The original Day Care center at 1113 West Washington moves its operation in partnership with Our Saviors Lutheran Church.
2002
With membership over 8,000 and a jump of 35% increase over the previous seven years it was determined that a fourth building expansion was needed.
2004
The new addition opened in February and featured the Becker Center-a youth activity area; the Ziegler Family Lobby; The Kate Hafeman Studio; the M & I Community Meeting Room; an expanded circuit weight room.
Discussion surrounding the alarming statistics from the Center of Disease Control (CDC) in relation to the national epidemic of obesity and the associated health risks related to this problem in the United States prompted the board to research methods to best address this issue. The downtown development of River Shores, the former West Bend Company site provided another location, dedicated to better assist the new/stop-starter/beginner exerciser/or health seeker learn the behavioral skills required to make a lifestyle change.
2005
In November, the River Shores site opened its doors as a second program site dedicated to helping people develop exercise as a habit sustainable for the rest of their lives. River Shores would be a first-of-a-kind in the nation facility used as a test site for Activate America program initiatives set forth by the YMCA of the USA. The 15,000 square foot facility features a Spirit Mind Body studio, a Wellness Studio, three coaching rooms, beginner friendly cardio and strength equipment, massage and healing suite.
YMCA Kids Connection, an after school child care program opens at 1111 West Washington, coming back to the YMCA full circle.
2006
In September, the YMCA Kids Connection Before and After School program opens at Decorah School as an off site offering.
The Family Center of Washington County partners with the Kettle Moraine YMCA. With common missions the partnership was a good fit and with a renovation to the original Day Care site the family center moves to 1113 West Washington Street.
2007
In November, Jon Lange accepts a position with the Metropolitan Milwaukee YMCA. The Board begins a national search for a new Executive Director.
2008
In March, Rob Johnson is installed as the third Executive Director of the Kettle Moraine YMCA.
The Child Care Program returns home to the original Day Care site at 1113 West Washington Street now called the Discovery Center. The Family Center relocated to 1517 Lang Street.
2009
In May, the Kettle Moraine YMCA celebrated 40 years of strengthening the community.
The Y saw the need for a larger parking lot and after purchasing houses on Cedar Street for a number of years, five houses where torn down to make room for an additional 104 parking spaces.
The Kettle Moraine YMCA envisions the final opportunity to expand at its West Washington location with a Family Adventure Pool.
2010
After School Child Care programming is offered to Wayne and Farmington Schools for days that there is early release from school.
2011
The Family Adventure Pool becomes a reality! The innovative aquatic addition provides an affordable, convenient, year-around play area for families
