The Lighthouse/City YMCA is located at 2900 N. Columbus Blvd. adjacent to McCormick Park. Originally founded in cooperation with Pima County, the Lighthouse/City YMCA now enjoys a collaborative relationship with the City of Tucson's Parks and Recreation Department. Lighthouse/City members and program participants comprise a very diverse population, with all age groups from preschoolers to seniors being served.

The beginning

The original Lighthouse YMCA branch was built in 1954.  Frequently referred to as the Lighthouse on the Desert, the Y was located on the southeast corner of east 5th Street and Dodge Boulevard.  Dr. Charles Newcombe and his wife Margaret had donated a large corner lot with a spacious two-story house on the crest of a small hill.  This was near the beautiful El Conquistador Hotel, which was on the land occupied later by the El Con Mall.  The residence was set back about 200 feet from East 5th Street and there was a very small swimming pool.  The Lighthouse YMCA was very family-oriented and in the years to come constructed a larger pool, bathhouse and remodeled the house to better service the youth and families in the area