History of the Prescott YMCA The YMCA has been part of the Prescott community since 1914. The current facility, the Harold James YMCA Community Center, was opened in 1998. The last major capital fundraising campaign for the construction of this facility began in 1995 and raised 5.5 million dollars. Since opening, membership has grown to over 10,000 members. Our YMCA Community Center has exceeded all expectations outlined in the last campaign. Timeline that Outlines Milestones in the National and Prescott YMCA History: The Prescott YMCA is a member of the National Council of YMCAs. It is an independently chartered facility not associated with the Phoenix or Tucson YMCAs. The original Young Mens Christian Association was founded by George Williams in London in 1844 in response to unhealthy social conditions in the industrial areas of London. There are YMCAs in more than 120 countries. James Naismith invented basketball at the YMCA in 1891. Volleyball was invented at the YMCA in 1895 by William Morgan. Collectively, YMCAs are the largest not-for-profit organizations in the nation and benefit from the leadership of more than 600,000 volunteers. Collectively, YMCAs are the largest providers of childcare in the United States. The Prescott YMCA was incorporated in 1974. The Prescott YMCAs Girls Gymnastics Program began in 1975. The first YMCA Fitness Center opened in 1983 in the building that is currently the Gymnastics and Activity Center. The Prescott YMCA Youth Basketball League started in 1986. The Climbing Wall opened in 1994. The skatepark opened in 1997. The current YMCA facility opened in 1998. The Prescott YMCA employs over 300 staff members.