The YMCA in Escondido

A COLLABORATIVE VISION

Transforming Lives and the Community

Welcome to the Escondido YMCA – A Campus for Community Well-Being! The YMCA of San Diego has been actively engaged in Escondido and the surrounding communities for more than 60 years. Most recently, the Y has provided gymnastics programming, before- and after-school child care, Expanded Learning Programs, services to help families find child care, transitional housing for youth and more.

Today we’re excited for a new vision that will transform the way we serve the Escondido community for years to come. The Y is dedicated to paving the way for new and exciting opportunities that promise to enrich the lives of residents in a sustainable business model. We’re designing this facility to inspire wellness and foster a sense of belonging for every member of our community.

The campus will be home to nonprofit community partners that will provide several essential services. Learn more about our Escondido partners.
Want to know more about the services and programming that will be available at our Escondido campus? Check the FAQ section here.

ESCONDIDO YMCA
A Campus for Community Well-Being
1050 North Broadway
Escondido, CA 92026
(760) 745-7490

TOP NEEDS OF THE ESCONDIDO COMMUNITY

We are committed to providing opportunities to improve the social determinants of health:

Access to quality health care
Access to post-secondary education for career pathways
Opportunities for youth engagement

OUR IMPACT VISION

FOSTERING COMMUNITY WELL-BEING

Programming and services that foster a sense of belonging through a holistic approach built on collaborative partnerships, community-integrated health strategies and evidence-based solutions. This comprehensive framework aims to eliminate barriers and create opportunities that empower individuals to achieve their fullest potential and attain the highest level of health across every stage of life.

PARTNERSHIPS

Collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders, to better position ourselves to meet the diverse needs of the community effectively and sustainably. This approach ensures that resources are maximized, and initiatives are aligned with the community’s needs, paving the way for a more impactful and lasting change.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Our youth enrichment programs, including gymnastics, sports and day camps, will foster an environment of belonging, achievement and relationships.
Continue to provide recreational and licensed child-care programs year-round.
Ensure that students in the Escondido Union School District (EUSD) are safe in and around water. Recognizing the critical importance of water safety education, the Y will and provide comprehensive swimming programs that are open to the community.
Cultivate the next generation of change-makers equipped to make a positive impact on their communities and beyond. By encouraging young people to see the value in community leadership, they become role models, promoting a culture of awareness and responsibility. This, in turn, fosters an environment where everyone can thrive.

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Our Escondido campus will be home to nonprofit community partners that will provide several essential services. In the first phase, these include: Escondido Union School District, National University and Neighborhood Healthcare. Download this flyer for more information about partnership opportunities.

Expanded Learning Programs
Swim lessons
YMCA sports programming
YMCA STEAM program

"We are immensely pleased to partner with the Escondido YMCA to refurbish and reopen their pool facilities, providing critical swimming and water safety lessons to all 16,000 students in our district. This collaboration is more than just an infrastructure project; it's a commitment to the well-being and safety of our students. The YMCA has always been a pivotal part of our community, offering extensive programs that benefit our students after school. Reopening the YMCA pool is the beginning of an expansive partnership that will bring our students not only essential life skills but also enriching experiences through various outdoor and educational activities planned around this facility."

Luis A. Rankins-Ibarra, Ed.D, superintendent of the Escondido Union School District

Expanded Learning Programs
Swim lessons
YMCA sports programming
YMCA STEAM program

"We are immensely pleased to partner with the Escondido YMCA to refurbish and reopen their pool facilities, providing critical swimming and water safety lessons to all 16,000 students in our district. This collaboration is more than just an infrastructure project; it's a commitment to the well-being and safety of our students. The YMCA has always been a pivotal part of our community, offering extensive programs that benefit our students after school. Reopening the YMCA pool is the beginning of an expansive partnership that will bring our students not only essential life skills but also enriching experiences through various outdoor and educational activities planned around this facility."

Luis A. Rankins-Ibarra, Ed.D, superintendent of the Escondido Union School District

Child care responsibilities
Flexible and accessible educational pathways
Full-time employment

"We are excited to collaborate with community partners who, like National University, are committed to providing access to high-quality programs and developing innovative solutions to help students of all ages succeed. This year, with the invaluable support of our partners, NU will be introducing new services designed to empower our students with the wraparound support they need to balance their careers, education, and family responsibilities. These partnerships exemplify our dedication to addressing the diverse needs of non-traditional learners, creating not just a place to study, but a vibrant community where they can thrive and achieve their full potential."

Mark D. Milliron, Ph.D., president and CEO of National University

Dentistry
Pediatric care
Mental health care

"A community is only as healthy as its residents, and by partnering with the Y, we have a unique opportunity to improve the health and well-being of Escondido’s youth. Together, we are creating a space where young people can access the care, support, and resources they need to thrive. This collaboration aligns with our mission to positively impact individual and community health regardless of situation or circumstance."

Rakesh Patel, M.D., CEO of Neighborhood Healthcare

RON LELAKES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ESCONDIDO YMCA - A CAMPUS FOR COMMUNITY WELL-BEING

Executive Director Ron Lelakes will play a pivotal role in steering the Escondido YMCA – A Campus for Community Well-Being toward building community engagement and empowerment while fulfilling the vision for the campus and the Y’s mission.

"I am delighted to work alongside our strategic partners at the Escondido Union School District, National University, and Neighborhood Healthcare. The Escondido YMCA - A Campus for Community Well-Being is poised to make a greater impact than ever before. I look forward to participating in the upcoming community listening sessions to ensure our services align with resident needs, engaging families and future community partners to shape a bright and inclusive future for all.

Ron Lelakes, Executive Director, Escondido YMCA - A Campus for Community Well-Being

COMMUNITY MEET & GREET SESSIONS

COMING SOON

The Y will host a series of community meet & greet sessions, which will provide more information about coming programs and services planned for the community.

CAMPUS OVERVIEW

WITH PARTNERS AND PRIMARY SERVICES

This is an overview of the Escondido YMCA – A Campus for Community Well-Being.

LINCOLN APARTMENTS

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING FOR YOUTH

Support provided by YMCA Youth & Family Services can be the difference between a life of stability and wellness or one of chronic stress and uncertainty. Buildings like this one in Escondido are a critical component of the Y’s innovative service model and will allow for increased impact in youth’s lives.

Learn more about this project and how you can get involved.

Strong Minds and Bodies

Gymnastics at the Y

Last year, more than 800 young gymnasts found strength, skills and fun learning gymnastics at the Y.

ymcA CAREERS

This new campus will bring a variety of YMCA employment opportunities, providing rewarding roles for individuals passionate about making a difference in the community. Starting March 1, 2025, the first phase of these opportunities will be available for viewing and application. Those interested in joining the YMCA’s impactful team are encouraged to visit ymcasd.org/jobs to explore the opportunities.

FAQ

Will fitness be a part of the Escondido YMCA - A Campus for Community Well-Being?

Escondido YMCA – A Campus for Community Well-Being, will not operate in the traditional sense of a fitness center or gym. The campus is designed as a new model focused on collaborating with partners to address community needs, rather than the traditional membership-based swim and gym model.

Will current programs such as gymnastics, day camp, sports, transition-age youth services, continue to be available at this location?

Yes!

When will the pool reopen, and will it be available to the public?

The reopening of the pool is tentatively projected for summer 2025. We are actively working with partners to shape the next steps. A key priority is ensuring that every student in the Escondido Union School District (EUSD) has access to vital water safety education. We understand the significance of water safety and are dedicated to offering comprehensive swimming programs. Through ongoing listening sessions with community members, we aim to align with their needs and concerns to ensure the pool is both a valuable and accessible resource for the Escondido Union School District and the community.

Will partner services be included in my Y membership benefits?

This Y location will not be operating under a membership fee-based model. However, the YMCA of San Diego will collaborate with partner organizations to provide valuable services and opportunities to the community.

In addition, our organized community meet & greet sessions will help the YMCA of San Diego County determine whether added membership benefits are needed and desired, as community feedback is essential to our Y’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

What child care programs are available in Escondido?

The Y is proud to offer Expanded Learning Programs (ELP), a before- and after-school (and summer) program funded by the California Department of Education in partnership with Escondido Unified School District and three nearby child care sites. For a list of participating schools and information about the program, visit LEGENDS Expanded Learning Programs here.

Escondido YMCA - A Campus for Community Well-Being

1050 North Broadway
Escondido, CA 92026
(760) 745-7490
See directions