The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall Celebrates 50 Years!

This year marks the 50th year of the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall. Since opening its doors in 1975, the Rockwall YMCA has stood as a space where kids learn how to swim, teens find their first mentors, and members become lifelong friends.

Last week, our Rockwall community came together to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall. Rockwall friends, families, and supporters joined us in honoring the legacy, impact, and future of our branch.

Together, we reflected on the generations who built this Y, the families we serve today, and the exciting work ahead as we continue to grow with our community.

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Humble Beginnings

In 1969, Rockwall residents united to bring a YMCA to their community. That year, a petition was submitted to the YMCA of Dallas County requesting the establishment of an extension program, not a full branch, that would operate out of the local community center. The effort was backed by signatures from members of the Friday Study Club, Rockwall Baseball Association, Cub Scouts Pack 399, RISD, Rockwall Memorial Youth Center, Rotary Club, and young adult groups from First Baptist and First Methodist churches. That same year, the Y’s first local activity launched: pee-wee football, officially marking the beginning of Rockwall’s YMCA legacy.

Becoming a Branch

Rockwall became an official YMCA branch in 1975, and a year later, Danny Meigs was hired as its first full-time director. As programs quickly expanded, the community rallied together in 1979 to raise nearly $50,000 through its first capital campaign. This effort, combined with support from the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, led to the opening of a new facility in 1983. Continued growth followed, with a building expansion in 1988 and the addition of an outdoor pool and bathhouse in 1989.

A Growing Community

In 1992, the Rockwall YMCA added a full gymnasium to support growing programs. A few years later, in 1999, a pool cover was installed thanks to the support of the Chilton and Hawk families, allowing year-round swim access. In 2009, the Y launched Angel Camp, a summer program for children with special needs. It quickly became one of the branch’s most meaningful and beloved offerings. By 2012, the facility expanded again to meet rising demand and was renamed the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA in honor of longtime supporter J.E.R. Chilton, a lasting tribute to the legacy he helped build.

Capital Expansion Plans

At the event, Executive Director Harold Young announced the launch of a $5 million capital campaign to expand and enhance the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall.

This project will include:

• Creating a natatorium, including renovating the pool.
• Enclosing and expanding the northwest side of the building.
• Building an additional parking lot adjacent to the facility.
• Adding a 2,000 sq. ft. Group Exercise Multipurpose Room.
• Constructing new indoor/outdoor restrooms adjacent to the pool.
• Expanding outdoor education and family areas.

Join Us in Building the Future

As Rockwall continues to grow, so does the need for spaces that bring families together in health, learning, and belonging. You can help us reach our year-end goal by contributing to the capital campaign and shaping the next 50 years of impact at the Rockwall Y. 

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