About Your YMCA
HISTORY OF THE ED ISAKSON/ALPHARETTA FAMILY YMCA
In 1984, the North Fulton YMCA began providing community programs and services in Roswell. Summer day camp and youth sports programs rapidly expanded with local community facilities being utilized. Soon, YMCA programs expanded into Alpharetta and un-incorporated north Fulton County. Athletic fields were developed in partnership with Fulton County Schools, summer day camps were held on Fulton County Parks, After School Child Care programs were launched in numerous elementary schools.
Programs grew rapidly, clearly signifying community acceptance and a need for a permanent facility. David Chatham and other community leaders spearheaded a thorough site selection process, ultimately leading to a land donation made possible by H. Ross Perot in 1990. This generous gift which included 36 acres was located in the Preston Ridge office development in Alpharetta. The value of this gift exceeded $1,000,000. Soon afterwards, the YMCA constructed a pavilion, restrooms, play fields, and nature trails and offered summer day camp at Preston Ridge during the summer of 1990.
By the mid '90s, North Fulton YMCA was the largest non-facility YMCA in the entire nation. Over 8,000 youth were served annually in 24 different locations across north Fulton County. The branch programs included outreach services in low income communities, Partnerships with the City of Roswell to serve the high risk youth and latch key children in the Groveway community, a computerized tutorial lab located in the North Fulton Child Development Center, and after school child care programs for Hispanic youth residing at Frazier Street Apartments. Other programs included youth sports, parent child programs, adventure based learning/ropes course, child care and summer day camp programs. All of these programs operated at capacity.
In 1995, the YMCA and the City of Alpharetta developed an innovative public/private partnership to develop a full service facility. The YMCA received $2,000,000 from a public bond referendum to assist in the development of the facility. The Branch Board embarked on a matching funds campaign in the name of a great YMCA friend, Ed Isakson. Over $2,200,000 was raised in Mr. Isakson's name. Including debt service of nearly $3,000,000, the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta YMCA was constructed. Total cost of the new 43,000 square foot facility was in excess of $7,000,000. The YMCA features an indoor pool, strength training and aerobics facilities, child care, gymnasium and climbing wall.
On May 2, 1998, the YMCA opened its doors to the community. Over 2300 individuals attended the grand opening ceremonies. Quickly, the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta YMCA grew to be one of the largest branches of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. A new family recreational pool was added in 2002. Expansion of our existing facilities was completed in January of 2005 which features a new teen center with a coffee and beverage shop, internet radio station, big screen, concert stage, and a game center. Other improvements include expanded child care centers, and additional wellness facilities. Nearly 28,000 square feet has been added.
