For over 54 years the Hanover Area YMCA has focused on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across the communities we serve. We are proud of our heritage and invite you to learn more as we continually striving to make your community a better place to live.
The Beginning - 1968
The HANOVER AREA YMCA is an affiliated association of the YMCA of the USA. The original founders organized a citizens’ committee who then recruited 1,200 members by the first meeting of the Association on October 1, 1968 also known as the Charter Night. The facility was originally located in a four story building on Carlisle St.
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The Acquisition - 1971
In 1971, the HANOVER Y acquired the property located on George and Washington Streets in the northern section of the borough. It is upon this recreational site that the current facility operates.
The Groundbreaking - 1979 -1981
In 1979, we held our groundbreaking ceremony for the new YMCA at 500 George Street. The 1981 grand opening of the HANOVER AREA YMCA building, included a swimming pool, racquetball courts, cardio/weight room, whirlpool, sauna, steam room and locker rooms. The gymnasium was added in 1985.
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Littlestown - 1989
In 1989, the Littlestown location of the Hanover Area YMCA opened as a storefront with a cardio/weight room, and provided childcare in local churches. Five years later, we celebrated the grand opening in 1994 of the current building at 95 Keystone Street.
South Hanover - 2003
On July 1, 2003, the HANOVER AREA YMCA opened the SOUTH HANOVER storefront location at 1013 Baltimore Street.
After raising more than $6 million in under a year, we broke ground on May 1, 2016 on our new 78,000 square foot sports and wellness center, including two indoor multi-sport turf fields and an expanded 24-hour fitness center.
We opened our doors to the community in the spring of 2017.
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Over the years, the HANOVER AREA YMCA grew steadily in both memberships and programs. The budget has also grown from $30,000 in 1972 to over $7.2 million in 2019. Currently, the Hanover Y is serving over 12,000 members over three locations: North Hanover, Littlestown, and South Hanover.