YMCA of Port Arthur Day

November 11, 2009

Mayor Deloris "Bobbie" Prince read the proclamation declaring Wednesday, November 11, 2009 as YMCA of Port Arthur Day in the city of Port Arthur at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 3rd.

The YMCA was charted in Port Arthur in 1902, providing programs in locations throughout the area. The first YMCA building was constructed on Lakeshore Drive in 1937. The facility was destroyed by fire in 1959. The YMCA carried on programs in rented space.

The YMCA dedicated the 7th Street location in 1956 at a cost of $35,000. A deed for land was acquired for the 9th Avenue branch in 1961. The facility was dedicated in 1966.

In 1983 a Capital Campaign was initiated for a new YMCA on 6760 9th Avenue and was dedicated in 1986.

Now, in 2009, a 1.4 million dollar renovation and renewal to the existing facility has begun to better serve the citizens of Port Arthur, mid and south Jefferson County.

The week of November 11th, 2009 the YMCA of Port Arthur will celebrate 107 years in Port Arthur by honoring it's long history with our community and looking forward to many more years of putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Pictured are Becky Guidry, Barbara Smith, Mayor Prince, and Pete Hicks, CEO.