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HISTORY

The 1950s The Somerset Hills YMCA operations are located in Dobb’s Realty Building in Bernardsville and then at a shared site with the American Red Cross.  Later in the decade the Y relocates to the Mill Street Firehouse. The 50s end with more than 500 members and an annual operating budget of more than $15,000. The 1960s Programs continue to expand and the Leisure Club, a social program for Seniors, is started. The YMCA acquires a 17-acre site located on Mt. Airy Road in Basking Ridge. The 60s end with 1,250 members participating with an annual operating budget of $38,700. The 1970s The first Capital Campaign is initiated to build the Engelhard Memorial Pool. Exciting YMCA special events begin including the Festival of Trees, sustaining member campaign, and Volunteer Recognition Night. The 1980s The second capital campaign, to expand the Mount Airy site, begins and results in an adult fitness center, gymnastics facility and gymnasium. The expansion also results in the creation of the Millicent Fenwick Day Care Center in the late '80s. Five acres of property adjacent to the YMCA are gifted to the organization and the pavillion is built. The 1990s The Millicent Fenwick Memorial Campaign is initiated to expand child care and adult wellness, resulting in the Dillon Family Wellness Center. Initiatives for teens are the fore front and the first teen night is held. The Teenage Advisory Council (TAC) is established. 2000 - 2007 YMCA initiates the Tomorrow...TOGETHER! capital campaign, which raised over $7 Million to expand the Mount Airy Road Facility. The doors open at Riverwalk, Somerset Hills YMCA's first satellite facility. The Y breaks ground on the expansion of the Mount Airy Road facility in the summer of 2004. The Somerset Hills YMCA celebrates the official grand-opening of the expanded Mt. Airy Road Facility in January 2007. Present  The expanded Mt. Airy Road Facility features three pools, including a leisure/recreation pool with slides, gymnastics area, dance studios, expanded state-of-the-art wellness center, a café, teen/community center, and more! The Somerset Hills YMCA at Riverwalk opens the Mind/Body Studio featuring various holistic classes to help improve the spirit, mind and body including: Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation and more. For the first time in 43 years, the Y unveils a new brand strategy and a new logo. While we have a new look, we are still dedicated to the same great cause - Strengthening the Foundations of Community. By simplifying the way we talk about ourselves, we hope to make it easier for people to understand the impact the Y makes in the community through programs and services dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.