More Than Just a Gym
Around another busy corner of Taylors sprawls the Eastside YMCA. If you live around here you’ve probably passed the Y a hundred times. Maybe you’ve worked out there or taken your kids to a soccer game, but the Y is more than just a gym—it’s a hub for families, kids, and neighbors looking to connect, learn, and grow.
A Local Staple for Decades
The Eastside YMCA’s journey began in the early 1960s when the YMCA first established itself in downtown Greenville. In the 1970s, the organization acquired its current property, initially developing it as a sports complex. By 1988, the first phase of the facility was constructed, featuring a lobby and a basketball gymnasium. Over the years, the Y has expanded significantly, adding a pool and wellness center in 1995, and most recently, an “airnasium” and outdoor turf field. This continued growth reflects the Y’s commitment to their areas of focus: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
More Than Just a Gym
You may know the Y for the gym, pool, or fields but it also offers programs that go way beyond that. Their after-school care program picks up student from 12 surrounding schools and in the summer, day camp houses 290 kids for full day camp. They partner with Silver Sneakers and Silver and Fit to offer programs and engagement for senior citizens, and they recently partnered with Elite Therapy to house Beastmode (a CrossFit-sytle class) off campus. And we won’t forget the faithful pickleballers—the airnasium can be transformed into outdoor pickleball courts with some additional courts in the indoor gym. With over 8,000 members to this branch alone, it’s a busy place—but still manages to keep that small-community feel.
Making a Difference in More Ways Than One
The Eastside YMCA isn’t just a place to exercise—it’s a nonprofit that makes sure everyone in the community has access to its programs. Every year, they provide over $300,000 in scholarships so that families who need financial assistance can still take part. “We’re for all,” says Executive Director Matt Green. “No matter who you are, where you live, where you’re from, our doors are open. We welcome you.” Coming up June 23-27, the Eastside Y is hosting iCan Bike, a day program that aims to provide support for children with disabilities to ride a two-wheeled bike independently. The program will take place at Taylors First Baptist Church. You can find out more details here.
With a core team of 12 full-time staff members and an additional 200+ part-time hires between front desk, instructors and personal trainers, Childwatch, afterschool and camp, bus drivers, and more, the Eastside Y is a crucial employer and instrumental to the Taylors area.
The next time you drive by, stop in, say hi, and check out what all the Eastside YMCA has to offer you, your family, and the Taylors and Greenville community.
You can visit them online to see all the offerings.
