The warehouse building was donated by McConnell with the intent of providing recreation programs for the residents of the community. At the time the City did not have the resources to develop the facility, so in 1992, a committee was appointed to suggest uses of the building. In 1993, the committee recommended the facility become a YMCA, and the Yreka City Council supported a grass roots effort to develop a local YMCA to operate the facility according to the wishes of Mrs. McConnell. In response, she donated $500,000 to jumpstart the community effort. In response to this gift, the community mobilized and raised over $400k. The YMCA officially opened in 1994.
The Siskiyou Family YMCA provides a focal point for healthy activities throughout our county, including youth and adult sports leagues, camps, arts and enrichment programs, and educational classes. Our YMCA sees the value of outdoor recreation to the extent that we are the only YMCA in the world with our own whitewater rafting permit. Additionally, our facility is used by the local elementary and high schools for team practices, social activities and special events. The YMCA has become a community gathering place with a majority of community-wide events occurring at the facility throughout the year.
In the fall of 2009, construction began on the YMCA’s youth activity center. Despite significant challenges, the project started with the promise of volunteer labor and a “time and materials” contract. Craig Hill, a private donor, made a significant contribution to ensure completion of the project. Tragically, Craig passed away before the activity center opened. With the help of his close friend, Tom Deany, additional funding was given in to memorialize the project in Craig’s memory.
In February, 2011, the Siskiyou Family YMCA held a grand opening for ‘The Craig Hill Youth Activity Center’. The facility houses the Rock Wall donated by Mt. Shasta Ski Park, a 1500 sq. ft. youth fitness area, and on the second floor, a 2500 sq. ft. youth programming area that houses the wrestling, jujitsu and gymnastics programs. See information boxes below for photos and more information about our Rock Wall, Craig Hill Youth Activity Center, and Future Projects.
Taking the YMCA from a Place to a Purpose
Funding was secured to create a one-mile outdoor trail with fitness stations. Additionally, a small capital campaign supported the state funding to build a 2000 sq. ft. teen center with computer stations, comfortable furniture, along with improved restroom and locker room facilities.
Mount Shasta Ski Park donated a rock climbing tower to the YMCA in 2006, sparking an opportunity for the YMCA to address a growing health crisis in Siskiyou County: youth obesity. The YMCA Board of Directors, determined to make the YMCA more “Fit Kid Friendly”, voted to enclose the rock tower for year-round activity, generating the idea to construct and operate the future Youth Activity Center.
The Craig Hill Youth Activity center was designed to provide a safe space for our youth to participate in healthy activities and programs. Whether climbing the rock wall, working out, or participating in gymnastics, dance or jujitsu, this space has something for everyone.
In 2019 we opened our impressive 5,700 square foot addition to members. This phase included the addition of high quality features to help improve member experience. The expansion project included: spacious locker rooms, a dedicated and spacious health and wellness class studio, a professional convening space, and a redesigned front lobby area.
