On March 25, YMCA officials, local dignitaries and Springfield citizens gathered in the First Presbyterian Church sanctuary at Seventh and Capitol streets to celebrate 150 years of the YMCA serving Springfield. In the same building on that same date in 1874, a group of young men met to discuss forming a YMCA in Springfield.
Federal, state and local elected officials provided testimonials to the impact of the Springfield YMCA. Mayor Misty Buscher read a proclamation declaring March 25 "YMCA Day." Others shared their YMCA experiences. Pastor Susan Phillips welcomed everyone, highlighting First Presbyterian Church's long association with the YMCA. In the early 1900s the YMCA bought land from the church for a new building, and 50 years later sold the property back to the church.
"For 150 years the YMCA has been more than a place. It's a purpose," said Angie Sowle, CEO of the Springfield YMCA. That purpose is to strengthen the community by giving everyone the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Sowle says the Y is more than a health center. It's a place for people "to be, become and belong." There is something for everyone, from youth sports to opportunities for senior citizens. For many it was the first place they learned to swim and the first job they had as a teenager.
Sowle grew up in Keokuk, Iowa, where sports and the Y were part of her life. However, it was an internship with a YMCA summer camp for low-income children where she saw the Y's true impact. That experience had a profound impact. After college she came to work at the Springfield YMCA and never left.
Memorial Health is a significant partner, contributing to both the Kerasotes YMCA and the new downtown YMCA. Ed Curtis, CEO of Memorial Health, cites the significance of the Y's mission, programs and people touched by the Y. He, too, has a personal connection. His first job was working at the YMCA front desk in 1969 at the age of 16, where he saw the diverse population of people served.
The Springfield YMCA has been a leader and innovator in fitness, youth sports, child care and healthy activities for all ages. It developed sports for young men in the late 1880s, beginning with baseball. By 1900 there were basketball leagues. The YMCA brought youth soccer to Springfield in 1967. Today every youth, high school and college soccer program in central Illinois can trace its origins to the Springfield YMCA. In the early 1970s the YMCA established before-school and after-school care for low-income families. The Springfield YMCA allowed women to be full members in 1974, two years before the national organization took that step.
The Springfield YMCA now serves men and women, boys and girls of all ages, religions and economic backgrounds through programs focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. There are 20,000 area members. Last year the YMCA provided over $600,000 in financial assistance to ensure no one is turned away. Through its Strong Kids Fund, the YMCA provides summer camp, sports and after-school programs for over 1,400 at-risk and underserved children.
"The legacy of the Y is the story of the people," said Sowle. "The best is yet to come."
—-
Additional 150th anniversary events
Look for details on social media and at springfieldymca.org.
• Birthday Plaza Party following the Y Ninja Obstacle Course Run – Noon, Sat., June 8, Kerasotes Y,
• Night-time Glow Run 5K Fun Run – Sat., Aug. 3, Kerasotes Y
• 150th anniversary gala – Sat., Nov. 2,
• North Pole Holiday party – December, and
• Collection of items from the 150th anniversary for a time capsule to be opened on the 200th anniversary in 2074.
—-
Karen Ackerman Witter met her husband, Randy, at an early morning exercise class at the YMCA in 1978.
