History of the Midlothian Family YMCA

The Midlothian Family YMCA began taking form in 1990 with exploratory talks between then-metropolitan board chairman William J. Fields, Chesterfield civic leader Joan Girone and Jim Lieby.  This led to a public meeting in March 1992 at Mount Pisgah Memorial Church to gauge local interest in establishing a Y presence in the Midlothian area. 

The Y took a huge step in September 1993.  That month, Thomas F. Garner Jr of Garner Investment Company donated 25 acres of land for a building.  The site was located on Coalfield Road near Watkins Elementary School and the Midlothian Library.

In early 1994, the branch formed a board of directors and hired and executive director.  Formal planning covered facilities and programming, like after-school fun clubs, aquatics, day camp and teen activities.  This led to after-school programs at Powhatan Elementary School in September and received its YMCA charter that month.

Throughout the remainder of the decade, the branch's leadership focused on programs, growth and fundraising.  These efforts led to swift expansion.  In 1995, the Midlothian Y opened an outdoor pool, the area's largest.  A community building opened that same year.  And indoor pool was added in 1996 and a modular unit for teen programs followed in 2002.

Since then, the Y has expanded to add a gymnasium, office and classroom space.

The text was taken from the book "The Richmond YMCA: 150 Years of Innovation and Service for Central Virginia" by Edward R. Crews.