History
The YMCA of Cranston was founded in 1936 as an extension of the Greater Providence YMCA when it was responsible for programs at the Rhodes School in Edgewood. It was officially recognized as a Branch of the Greater Providence YMCA in 1940.
In 1946, a 29-acre site, with waterfront on the Oak Swamp Reservoir in Johnston, was donated by Cranston Print Works, on which the summer day camp, Camp Massasoit, has continued to be conducted. During this time, the Cranston YMCA operated from rented facilities located on Rolfe Street, using churches, schools, and homes as YMCA program sites.
In 1957, after a capital campaign, facilities were constructed on its present site. The initial building consisted mainly of multi-purpose rooms. It was essentially a program center, serving as a hub for the Y activities being conducted in the community.
In 1969, the swimming pool and locker rooms were added, followed by the gymnasium addition in 1980. In 2005, the locker room was completely renovated to create separate air-conditioned locker rooms for family, female, and male members. The renovation also included a two-floor elevator, new main entrance ramp and multi-purpose room to make the facility fully ADA compliant. In addition, a sprinkler system was installed throughout the entire building and a new fire alarm system was installed so that the Cranston YMCA would be in compliance with the new 2005 fire codes.
In 1999, the Cranston Community Youth Center (CCYC) opened through the collaborative efforts of the YMCA, the City of Cranston, Cranston Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP), and the Cranston Community Police. The CCYC provides programming and activities for teens in Grades 6 through 12 in the facility, which includes a gymnasium, 15-station computer technology room, game/activity room as well as a theater room.
Today we operate programs for all ages from many locations, including our main facility, Camp Massasoit in Johnston, the Cranston Community Youth Center, the Cranston Senior Center, John O. Pastore Center, Zambarano Hospital and several schools in the city.