Over 136 Years of Community
The YMCA of the Fox Cities has been part of this community since 1888 — more than 136 years of showing up for our neighbors. What began as a small reading room in downtown Appleton has grown into a network of six branches serving thousands of people in our community. Our story is your story — built together, one neighbor at a time.
How It All Began
In 1887, Frank Harwood and other prominent community leaders saw a need in Appleton and decided to do something about it. On February 23, 1888, those leaders voted to establish the YMCA of Appleton. That first Y was organized with F.J. Harwood as president, and had 158 members and operated from a modest space at 112 E. College Avenue — a reading room, a small gymnasium, a parlor and a game room. From those humble beginnings, the seed of something lasting was planted.
Growing With the Fox Cities
In April 1914, ground was broken on Oneida Street in Appleton, and in August 1915 a new state-of-the-art facility opened — including the first pool and youth center in the city. Across the valley, what is now the Neenah-Menasha YMCA traces its roots to 1911, when the Young Women’s Club began offering classes and community support. Over the decades, branches expanded, merged and grew to serve more people in more places. In 1964, the Y founded Camp Nan A Bo Sho, a 40-acre overnight camp on Waubee Lake near Lakewood, Wisconsin — a beloved tradition that has shaped thousands of young lives.
Becoming One YMCA Serving Our Communities
In 2000, the Appleton and Neenah-Menasha YMCAs voted to unite, forming the YMCA of the Fox Cities, with membership approval completed by 2002. Following the merger, the association expanded significantly, opening the Heart of the Valley YMCA in Kimberly and the Fox West YMCA in Greenville in 2002. Both facilities have since grown through renovations and additions to better serve their communities.
In 2005, a transformational gift from the Bruce and Barbara Purdy family supported the creation of the Apple Creek YMCA Program Center and the surrounding nature preserve. The Apple Creek YMCA opened in 2009, offering a unique focus on environmental education, outdoor experiences, and family programming.
