History

The South County YMCA was founded in 1973, as an extension of the Camp Fuller Division. They did not have a building to call home but the South County YMCA ran numerous activities throughout the community using whatever space they could find. “We held programs in schools, churches, storefronts, anywhere we could hang our hat,” says Nelson Crook, a founding member of the South County branch. The swimming program was a very large one that was run at LADD center and the University of Rhode Island. It was obvious that the community wanted and needed a YMCA building and large pool.

In 1980, with enthusiastic public support, the YMCA constructed its facility in the heart of Peace Dale, Rhode Island. In 1998, 10 adjacent acres of land were purchased, which more than doubled its original size. In 1999, construction of a 4,300-square-foot addition began. Now in addition to the original pool, the building has a fitness center, a 2,200-square-foot multi-purpose room, storage, and a special needs family changing rooms. The South County YMCA now runs programs throughout the community and in the schools to meet the needs of the consistently growing population.