Home » General Information » A Brief History

A Brief History

Although the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA celebrated its thirtieth anniversary at this location in 2002, the organization dates back to 1865 as the Boonton Area YMCA. Over the years the YMCA occupied several sites in Boonton and offered off-site activities in local schools. In the early 1960s, a permanent location was sought to consolidate the Y's activities. A five-acre site in Mountain Lakes was purchased in 1964 and fund-raising commenced, however, due to a zoning change, this property could not be used. In 1968 an eight-acre site on Fanny Road was purchased for $17,000, and the original property was sold for $140,000, enough to pay for a portion of the site work and construction of the new building. A second fund drive was begun and with the help of local industries and concerned individuals, a mortgage was obtained and groundbreaking was held in July 1971. The new facility, housing a 75'x45' pool, an all-purpose room, weight room and offices opened in December 1972. At that time the name was changed to the Lakeland Hills YMCA, since it now served seven communities. In 1978 the name was again changed to the present Lakeland Hills Family YMCA.

The early years were lean ones for the LHFY and it was a struggle to continue to function. However, membership continued to grow. Several new programs were started including day care for children. Aquatic and physical education programs were expanded, aerobics and senior programs were offered and a popular "Adult Club" sponsored outstanding programs and trips. By 1978 membership had grown to about 4800. An unexpected miracle bequest in 1977 relieved the financial pressure and helped make possible LHFY's success. Esther Dutton, a wealthy Mountain Lakes resident, made the bequest that eventually came to about $700,000. Mrs. Dutton was not a LHFY member, but she had visited the facility and was so impressed with the volunteers and the loyalty of the people and their vision and struggle over such odds, that she generously remembered the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA in her will.

In 1978 plans were formulated to double the size of the Y. The planned addition would include a gymnasium, racquetball courts, a running track and other support facilities. A new main entrance and site access changes were also provided. The addition opened in 1980.

Since the expansion, numerous renovations have taken place to keep current with program demands and fitness trends. In 1999 the Y underwent the most significant renovation, which involved an internal expansion to create additional childcare classrooms, provide for much needed program space and totally revamp the weight and fitness training center, lobby and locker rooms.

In 2007 the Y was fortunate to be named in the will of trustee, generous donor and long time friend Marion Mann Roberts as the recipient of a $1 million endowment. A dedication ceremony was held and the Early Childhood Learning Center was renamed in her memory. Each year the interest on this gift will be used to honor Marion's wish through the funding of approximately 30 scholarships for less fortunate children to participate in childcare and day camp. Also in 2007 we strengthened our commitment to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities by creating our Kid’s Cardio Arcade and Kid’s Wellness Month as well as joining the national YMCA initiatives of Healthy Kids Day and Activate America.

Today the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is Morris County's most complete family recreational facility with a membership of over 11,000. The enriching and positive value of an LHFY experience comes from the diversity and fellowship of the ten communities we now serve. We will continue to actively seek representation from our entire service area, in both leadership and membership, to ensure our success in fulfilling our mission.