About Your YMCA
The Decatur-DeKalb YMCA began as a part of the extension program of the Metro Atlanta YMCA in 1946 at the request of local citizens. The population in Atlanta was growing quickly. At that time, there were six other YMCA branches in the Atlanta area. However, all but the Downtown Atlanta branch operated from rented offices instead of their own facilities. Since the Decatur-DeKalb YMCA had no facility to operate from, most of the program services were community based. Local parks, schools and churches were used to carry out activities.
In 1956 the Centennial Fund Campaign brochure was published and stated specific plans and goals of the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta to expand its operations and build new facilities. At that time, there were 5,425 members of the Decatur-DeKalb branch. It was estimated to serve approximately 11,500 members once the building was established.
In 1960 the Decatur-DeKalb YMCA facility was complete. The building was located on Clairemont Avenue, and at that time, there were no other YMCA facilities in DeKalb County. It served Decatur, Druid Hills, Emory, and the greater part of DeKalb County (Clarkston, Scottdale, Avondale, Stone Mountain, Panthersville, and Lithonia). The branch was the second largest YMCA branch in the nation in terms of its programs. The comprehensive facility included the accommodations of most YMCA’s of its time such as: swimming pool, locker rooms, showers, exercise room, weight-lifting area, craft shop, dining room, club rooms, lounge area, and staff offices.
In 1993 an extensive renovation was completed expanding program space, adding the current lobby and entrance, additional administrative space, and two group exercise studios.
Today your Decatur-DeKalb Family YMCA serves Decatur and DeKalb County members from a 49,000 square foot facility located at 1100 Clairmeont Avenue, Decatur, Georgia 30030. Amenities include indoor pool, indoor running track, gymnasium, paramount strength training equipment and free weights, cardiovascular exercise equipment, child care, steam rooms, whirlpools, saunas, and massage therapy.
Contact Us: (404) 377-9622
