Moorland Family YMCA to Merge with Oak Cliff YMCA; YMCA Will Make a Multi-Million Dollar Investment in the Oak Cliff YMCA

Thank you for being a loyal supporter of the YMCA. Your support has made it possible for the Y to serve the Southern Dallas community and greater Dallas area during these uncertain times. Because of you, when COVID-19 left people without food, childcare and created a blood shortage, the Y was there to support our community. We have distributed food to more than 19,000 people, provided 30,000 diapers and 1,100 packages of wipes, provided emergency childcare with more than 3,800 kid visits, distributed 450 computers to children who need them in order to learn and hosted nine blood drives. The Y will keep providing that support as long as there is a need. Thank you.

The Moorland name and YMCA has had a rich and meaningful history for the YMCA, and for the Dallas community, since 1930 and it’s a legacy we will preserve.

Effective August 28, the existing Moorland location will merge with the Oak Cliff YMCA. The Oak Cliff location, which is about 4 miles away from Moorland, will be renamed the Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff. Members and program participants of the Moorland branch will become members and program participants of the Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff. We are in communication with those who used our programs at Moorland to ensure they know the options available to continue using those programs at Oak Cliff - many of the programs have already started to transition to that location. The Board of Management Chair at the Oak Cliff YMCA, Diedra “Dee” Ellington will become the Chair at the renamed Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff. Moorland Board Chair Rae Palmer will become Vice Chair at the renamed Y.

The Moorland Y originally opened in Downtown Dallas in 1930, and, as many of you know, it was the only YMCA serving African Americans in the Southwest during segregation. The building provided 37 sleeping rooms for use by visitors to Dallas; many prominent African Americans stayed at this facility as hotel facilities for African Americans were limited. Before it's 1972 move to Oak Cliff, The Dallas Morning News reporter Julia Scott Reed shared the Moorland YMCA’s impact: “Throughout its history, great personalities have passed through the doors of 2700 Flora Street. Between these walls, momentous decisions have been made, historical meetings held, presidential candidates spoken and American legends have slept that include Curtis Cokes, Ernie Banks, Jimmy (Iron Claw) Hill, Ray Charles, Muhammad Ali, and Justice Thurgood Marshall.”

The YMCA is committed to ensuring the legacy of the Moorland Y lives on in Dallas. As we reflect on how this Y has shaped Dallas, it has allowed us to determine where we will go next.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas will expand the services we offer to the Southern Dallas community through the Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff with a multi-million-dollar investment in the facility. We’re now working with board leadership to plan the renovation, add square footage, services and programming, so we can serve the surrounding community in an expanded capacity. We’ll be sharing our plans on how the renovated Y will look in the months ahead.

We are grateful to you - our staff, members and donors - for your continued support, confidence and prayers. You make it possible for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas to put Christian values into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Please feel free to contact me directly at (214) 330-6321 with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Keith Vinson

VP of Operations

FAQ for Moorland webpage

Why has the Y decided to merge the Moorland Family YMCA into the Oak Cliff YMCA?

The Dallas YMCA has been working closely with an independent, third-party group to examine the best way our facilities can serve the community, including the Moorland Family YMCA. Our clear strengths at the Moorland Y are in the programs we offer for youth, adults and teens - sports, academic achievement, STEM, social justice and outreach, afterschool programs, teen programs, summer camp and active older adult programs. The fitness equipment was largely not used. By merging these two Y’s, we will be able to better offer services to match community needs, make a significant investment into the community and expand the programming and services we can offer in the years ahead.

When are these changes effective?

The Moorland Family YMCA will transfer all memberships and program participants to the Oak Cliff YMCA effective August 28. Program participants will be contacted in order to ensure a smooth transition for you and your family.

What will happen to my membership?

Your membership will not change. On August 28, you may use your membership to access the Oak Cliff Family YMCA. You can also utilize your YMCA membership at any branch in the DFW area, or at hundreds of Ys throughout the country with our Nationwide Membership benefit.

What will happen with the programs I used at the Moorland Family YMCA?

Programs that were offered at the Moorland Family YMCA are in the process of being transferred to the Oak Cliff YMCA. We are in communication with those who used our programs at Moorland to provide them with resources and the options available to ensure they have access to the programs they need for themselves and their families. If you have any additional questions about programs offered at the Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff, please contact kvinson@ymcadallas.org.

How will you preserve the legacy of the Moorland Family YMCA?

The Moorland name and YMCA has had a rich and meaningful history for the YMCA, and for the Dallas community, since 1930 and the YMCA is committed to ensuring the legacy of the Moorland Y lives on in Dallas. The Oak Cliff YMCA will be renamed the Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff. As the Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff is renovated for future community needs, the Y will work with board members and other members of the community on meaningful ways to incorporate and preserve the story of the Moorland Y at its new location.

What will happen to the Moorland YMCA building?

The YMCA is working with community partners to find a solution that allows the building to be a resource for this community in the future.

How will the YMCA continue to serve this community?

We will be there to meet the needs of the community including continuing to offer programs, serve food and providing essentials to those who need it, especially during these difficult times. We’re also excited to be able to expand how we serve this community in the years ahead. We will make a multi-million-dollar investment in the Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff. We’re now working with board leadership to plan the renovation, add square footage, services and programming, so we can serve the surrounding community in an expanded capacity. We’ll be sharing our plans in the months ahead.

What investment are you making into the Oak Cliff YMCA?

The investment will include a renovation to the Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff, adding square footage, expanded services and programming in order to serve Oak Cliff and the greater Dallas community in an expanded capacity. We’re excited to share those details in the coming months.