The Woodlands Family Shadowbend YMCA Invites the Community to Celebrate 40th Anniversary Honoring our Past. Building our Future

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The first YMCA in The Woodlands opened its door on September 21, 1986 at 6145 Shadowbend Place. The community is invited to a 40th Anniversary Celebration on Monday, September 21st, 5:30pm in the Shadowbend YMCA Gym. Come celebrate and reminisce with us as we review the past and look forward to the next 40 years strengthening kids, families and communities.

The seed for a YMCA in The Woodlands began on April 1, 1977 as a formal "extension" of the Conroe YMCA. In 1979, the YMCA officially organizes and opens office in Pineland Animal Hospital. The first Executive Director was Bob Fleming, 1977-1981. The first board Chairman was Merlin Maxey, a member of Oak Ridge Baptist Church. Initial board members included Dr. Tom Dorrell with Pineland Animal Hospital and Rev. Tom Finley Brown of Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church. Tom Boak, Tom Cox, and Jim O'Connor - all home builders in the Woodlands, also served as initial board members

In 1981, the YMCA office was a trailer on Sawdust Road, next to a beautiful bluebonnet field. “I wish I had a dollar for everyone who asked if they could take photos on "our" field”, states Doug Earle, YMCA Executive Director, 1981-1990. “We did not even have a restroom . . . .but we did provide youth sports, Y Indian Guides and Princesses, aerobics classes, swim lessons, and day camp. In January of 1983, we moved to an out-of-business mattress store on the I-45 feeder road, south of Shenandoah. We added several classes for children and adults, including breakdancing. We also started several programs for teens. Then, in 1986, we moved into our brand new facility on Shadowbend Place, which, at the time, was on the edge of The Woodlands. The new facility included a childcare center, fitness center, gymnasium, locker rooms, swimming pool and ball fields.”

“The biggest asset was community support”, per Rick Lowry, YMCA Board Member 1981-1987 and Board Chairman, 1985-1987. “People participated in the Y long before we had a facility, from the back of the animal hospital, the trailer on Sawdust (without water), parents helping to mow fields at local churches or behind elementary schools so kids could play sports, summer camps wherever a

place could be found, the Y was supported by so many people, it was incredible. The 40th Anniversary Celebration is the capstone of those early years. I knew realtors who would drive potential home buyers past the eventual Shadowbend site to show them evidence that The Woodlands was the place to raise a family. How great was that!”

From the Grand Opening on September 21, 1986, other milestones include: 1992: 1st major expansion including Kid’s gym, Aerobics Room, additional parking and outdoor pavilion. Center Executive Director was Rick Taylor. Board Chairman was Scott Cummings.

1994: YMCA Partners with Oak Ridge North to launch the Run to the Mall which continues today on Thanksgiving Morning as Run Thru the Woods. The 1st race attracted approx. 250 participants. The Y is preparing for 6000 participants in 2026.

1998: 2nd major expansion including wellness center, recreation room, additional aerobics room, toddler pool, pool covering and more parking. Center Executive Director was Darwin Barnett. Board Chairman was Dave Gibbs.

1999: First YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge; A popular community event held annually on the last weekend of September. The event is sold out again for 2026!

As part of the 40th Anniversary Celebration, if you have YMCA photos, memorabilia and/or stories to share please contact Lauren Jelen, 281-367-9622 or Lauren.Jelen@ymcahouston.org. We look forward to celebrating with the community on September 21. To rsvp click on link below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shadowbend-ymca-40-year-anniversary-tickets

For more information on The Woodlands Family YMCA, visit

https://ymcahouston.org/locations/woodlands-family-ymca-shadowbend