Park South YMCA opens doors after $15 million renovation
News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
News Article Article pages that do not meet specifications for other Trust Project Type of Work labels and also do not fit within the general news category.
For more than 50 years, the Park South Family YMCA facility in the Queen City neighborhood has served as a cornerstone of the South Dallas community. It was demolished in 2023 to make way for a new-and-improved Park South Y, which opened its doors today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Construction on the new facility began in early 2024, increasing the former facility to 38,000 square feet and making room for several new spaces and services. The former white and brown brick exterior has been replaced by a modern facade with expansive windows, similar to the updated YMCAs in Lake Highlands and Town North.
Loletha Horton, district executive director for YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, is a South Dallas native and began volunteering at Park South in 1989. She previously told Dallas Free Press that she knows firsthand how much the Y means to neighbors.
For Horton, the biggest improvement will be Park South’s new commercial kitchen. The previous kitchen was able to accommodate daily meals and snacks for preschool classes, but YMCA staff compared it to a typical apartment kitchen with limited space. Horton believes the upgrade will add to the homey feel of Park South.
“This will allow for greater opportunities, and greater food distribution at the back of the building,” Horton says. “There’ll be more space to move around, a large enough space for more refrigerators, more freezers … we’ll have everyone gathered up in the kitchen.”
Westwind Building Corporation spearheaded the $15 million construction of the new facility. Members also can expect to see:
- A new childcare room with modern furniture and toys, available for parents and caregivers using the YMCA for workouts or classes
- A dedicated, secure wing with a private entrance for preschoolers, with curriculum aligned to Dallas ISD so that children are kindergarten-ready
- New fitness center packed with the latest gym equipment, including Precor and TRUE Fitness, which lets users stream with their favorite apps and charge their phone while they work out, plus kettlebells, plyoboxes and Les Mills smart bar system for group exercise
- Expanded welcome lobby and visiting areas for seniors and community members
- New pool at ground level to ensure it is accessible for all (the previous was underground and difficult to access for members with mobility issues)
- A new gymnasium featuring a full-sized basketball court and bleacher seating
- New office spaces for staff
A monthly membership, which ranges from $25 to $71, includes access to the entire facility, pool and childcare, plus special member pricing on key programs such as diabetes prevention and self-blood pressure monitoring classes. In addition, members have nationwide access to participating Ys across the city and country.
Current programs open for registration range from basketball camps, preschool day camps, volleyball camps and more. Programs are offered for preschoolers up to teenagers and adults, too.
Park South is the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas’ flagship branch for food distribution and has continued to offer support throughout the construction process at local partner locations. With the new facility opening, distribution efforts will move back to Park South. The food distribution program serves both members and non-members in the community to ensure equal access.
Those interested in using the YMCA facilities, taking part in extracurricular activities, and receiving food assistance can register online here. Financial assistance is available for families, covering between 20 and 50 percent of costs. Applicants must submit an application along with supporting documentation to be reviewed for income verification.
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Brenda Hernandez-Rodriguez is Dallas Free Press’ 2024-25 Report for America corps member. A bilingual journalist who is passionate about the field, Hernandez says, “I know it has the power to change lives, even sometimes to save lives. Brenda graduated from St. Edward’s University with five internship experiences that prepared her to be a reporter who makes a difference.
When Hernandez is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, whether watching movies together or walking. Hernandez also proudly calls herself an adventurous foodie and has become a go-to source of advice about where to eat next in her hometown of Austin, Texas.
Areas of Expertise:
Community journalism
Civic reporting
Location Expertise:
Dallas, TX
Official Title:
Report for America Corps Member
Phone Number:
+1 (512) 739-8153
Email Address:
brenda@dallasfreepress.com
