182 Capital Ave. NE Battle Creek, MI 49017
Phone: 269-963-9622
The Battle Creek Family YMCA was dedicated in 1973 with the resources of a 2.7 million dollar capital campaign led by Mr. James McQuiston. The YMCA was founded in Battle Creek in 1889, extending its reach to 3 centuries of history. The current Y Center is conveniently located in Downtown Battle Creek at 182 Capital Ave. NE. and has 6,800 active community members and thousands of others who interact with various programs. The Calhoun Visitors Bureau lists it as one of the city attractions and signage in front of the Y has a similar style to other downtown spots of interest.
Jonathan and I visited the Battle Creek Family YMCA (#2 of 49) on May 18, 2019. In between our experience at the YMCA we sat at a table next to our tour sign, handing out gifts courtesy of Jack's Place for Autism Foundation and reminded people to register to win a stuffed Augie dog. We talked at length with one woman in particular who was accompanied by two girls and an infant. She used the conversation to teach her children about autism by asking what Jonathan's life is like and she also reminded her girls that they have a relative on the autism spectrum.
Although the building is over 45 years old, it has been cared for nicely and they were even in the process of updating lighting while we visited. There is a wonderful sense of history in this Y as plaques remain telling the story of influential leaders of another era and one of the unique areas is a hallway overlooking the pool that has hundreds of Signature Tiles remembering community supporters.
There are two pools at the Battle Creek Family YMCA. One is a 25 yard lap pool that is kept at about 82 degrees and another is a therapy pool that is kept at about 90 degrees. Jonathan and I spent an hour in the therapy pool. It's the ideal depth and temperature for someone with autism to enjoy and not get cold or overheated.
I was touched by the presence and warmth of their small chapel maintained in the building that serves as a testament that the Y can help with physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development.
The Battle Creek Family YMCA has many programs that are featured on their website, including hosting longstanding groups and events like:
- Battle Creek YMCA Masters Swim Team (since 1987)
- Goguac Lake Swim and triathlons (July 13, 2019 this year)
- Battle Creek Family Literacy Program
- Cereal City 5K/10K (June 8, 2019 this year)
- McCracken basketball Day Camp at Battle Creek YMCA
- Lemon Tree Preschool
Social Media: You can follow the Battle Creek Family YMCA at the following social media pages.
If you live in or around the Greater Battle Creek area one of the best bargains would be to become members the Battle Creek Family YMCA. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify based on income through what they call their Open Doors Scholarship. Because of the YMCA's reciprocity program, your membership at one YMCA is good at any YMCA in the United States. The reciprocity program is what inspired Jonathan and I to begin our very first tour of YMCA's around the State of Michigan in November 2017.
Alan and Jonathan Stokes are members of the Oak Park YMCA at the YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing. They are partnering with Jack's Place for Autism Foundation and the YMCA's in Michigan to visit each YMCA and spread autism awareness across Michigan from 2019-2022.
