The Ott Family YMCA is Tucson's eastside destination for extreme fun and recreational opportunities for the whole family. Building renovations completed in May 2005 have equipped this facility with a brand new Cardio/Fitness Center with state of the art fitness equipment, and a new Child Watch Center for member use. Members can enjoy one of our four pools, two racquetball courts or try out our in-line hockey arena or skate park!

The Ott Family YMCA also provides several programming options for all ages and abilities. Whether you or your child wants to learn a new skill, sharpen an old one or take part in educational classes the Ott Family YMCA is your resource for quality, value driven program opportunities. View our current program offerings for the specifics, or feel free to call for an in-depth explanation of our programs.

History of the Ott Family YMCA

The Ott Family YMCA has a strong history in the Tucson area.   Visionary community leaders began looking at census data and growth trends in the greater Tucson area, and determined early on that a YMCA located on the east side of the city would be successful. The property of the current facility was acquired by a purchase/donation transaction in December of 1964 from Mr. Stefan Gollob & his wife Magdalena. 

Months of planning took place among the volunteers and Metro YMCA leadership in determining the site footprint and facility amenities to be included in the “East Branch YMCA and YWCA."  A request for assistance from the U of A College of Architecture had resulted in a contest among the students for the best design of a proposed layout of the new East “Y”. In march of 1966 it was announced that the three winning designers were John E. Duvivier, Albert N. Hopper & Gantt W. Miller.

Endorsements by the Tucson Community Council Committee paved the way for a Community Capital Fund Campaign.   The construction phase began in 1968 and 90% of the construction was completed in February of 1969.  With the East YMCA-YWCA officially open and membership sales exceeding expectations, volunteers and staff continued to acquire adjoining property and working with the city on the formulation of Gollob Park in 1972. 

The relationship between the YMCA and the YWCA proved successful for several years, and together many youth and family programs were offered to the community.  As the 70’s brought on many critical social and political issues to the women’s movement, the relationship between the YMCA and YWCA was strained.  Differences in basic philosophy, operational procedures and methods of funding were underlying factors that lead to the termination of the relationship in 1977.

In 1978 Mrs. Marion G. Moore Ott made a significant memorial gift in honor of her late husband Mr. Harvey Lincoln Ott.  This gift was deposited with the YMCA Youth Foundation and the investment income was earmarked for the East Branch YMCA.  Due to the significance of the gift, the East Branch Board unanimously voted to rename the facility to the Harvey Lincoln Ott Memorial Branch of the Tucson YMCA.  In 1979 an advisor to Mrs. Ott conducted a dedication ceremony changing the name to the Ott YMCA, in honor of Marion G. Moore Ott and her late husband. 

Programs continued to grow over the next few years and space within the facility was at a premium.  Expansion plans were on the drawing board and funding was secured.  January of 1982 brought another dedication ceremony acknowledging the addition of 4 racquetball courts, aerobic room, and weight lifting equipment.

In May of 2005 renovations were completed on the upper level of the original building.  A large state of the art cardio fitness center is now the focal area for activities as the Ott Family YMCA moves toward being the leader on the East Side of Tucson promoting active and healthy lifestyles for adults and children.