In the mid 1960s, a group of concerned citizens set out to determine the feasibility of a YMCA for the Central Bucks communities. Following conversations with the Pennsylvania State YMCA Director, a series of community leaders secured the first location, a store front on North Main Street.
A series of programs conducted by laymen were introduced to the community and a search for a more suitable location plus a staff person was initiated. Following negotiations with the county commissioners, the Central Bucks Family YMCA acquired space in the basement of the old Doylestown Borough High School at Broad and Court Streets. The first Executive Director, Myron Hallock along with a part-time secretary were employed, programs were expanded, a small summer camp introduced and the Board of Directors began to seek funds for program expansion and equipment. Progress was slow and it became apparent that it would be most difficult to maintain a full time staff person at this phase of the Ys growth. Upon the resignation of Mr. Hallock, negotiations were instituted to form a partnership of staff between the Lower Bucks and Central Bucks YMCAs. 1970 saw Fred Haynes assume the position of Executive Director of both Ys.
In 1972, with a membership of 400, the Board of Directors determined that it would now add a Program Director to its staff. In November of 1972, Mrs. Louise Peters assumed this position and immediate plans were begun for program expansion and growth as well as development of a stronger and larger Board of Directors.
On February 23, 1973, fire destroyed the Borough school building leaving the YMCA without a facility to conduct programs. Within 24 hours, the YMCA was functioning administratively. Within 3 days, the many classes were relocated in 7 area schools and churches, and the Board of Directors was pursuing the availability of existing structures to house the YMCA.
From the period of March through October 1973, program and membership growth continued at a rapid pace. An emergency appeal campaign began to secure seed monies for acquisition of property and a summer camp was born. On December 22, 1973, following numerous meetings between Robert Taylor, President of the Board, and Mr. and Mrs. David Burpee, a 7-1/2 acre site at Lower State Road and Memorial Drive was deeded to the Y by the Burpees. In 1974, the Central Bucks Family YMCA left the partnership agreement to become an independent Y and Louise Peters was appointed Executive Director.
Groundbreaking for the new facility was held on July 1, 1977, allowing two years for construction. The new facility was dedicated on January 28, 1979 and opened its doors two weeks later with a membership of 1500. With the hiring of Ken White in 1982 as General Director, we now had a duly certified professional director and became an autonomous YMCA.
In October of 1990, Gene Smith was appointed as General Director/CEO. Under Gene’s 20 year tenure, the Y expanded not once but twice. In September 2001, expanded facilities were dedicated, including a state of the art fitness center, two multi-purpose studios and expanded, renovated lobby, member services and babysitting. Also opened were the Skate Park and the Teen Center, a collaboration between the Y and the Teen Task Force to provide community kids with a place to call their own. Y membership climbed during construction and beyond.
In December 2004, the remaining property adjacent to the existing campus on Lower State Road was purchased, making the total Y footprint nearly 18 acres in space. The Y continued with development of a Master Plan to meet community needs and add more facilities in three stages. Stage I groundbreaking was September 15, 2008 and construction began the following year. Celebrations of varying magnitude took place as the new facilities opened in stages throughout 2010.
To date, the Central Bucks Family YMCA has more than 18,000 members and program participants, encompassing all ages, religions and races. With all of our facilities (fitness center, Water Park Pool and 25 meter 6-lane Traditional Pool, four multi-purpose studios, gymnasium, administration and Child Watch areas, clubhouse, Teen Center, Skate Park), programs (youth, adult, day care and pre-school) and extension sites, the Central Bucks Family YMCA has become the single largest activity center in our community.
