Recently, the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South celebrated the opening of its newest facility in the Whitehaven community, the Georgette & Cato Johnson YMCA, located at 4727 Elvis Presley Blvd. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on March 1.
Built on the grounds of the former Thomas B. Davis YMCA - formerly constructed in 1959 - the Georgette & Cato Johnson YMCA opened its state-of-the-art facility to members earlier this month. As the first facility built in 20 years for the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South Association, nearly all of the former structure was removed to create a more modern and updated space.
This long-awaited community resource center will serve as an epicenter of healing and community wellness, with a focus on early childhood development, water safety, mental and physical health, and social service programming. “We are so honored and grateful to bring this brand new facility to our Whitehaven community after being a part of this community for many years,” said Jerry Martin, president & CEO, YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South. “We are especially honored to be part of the growth that is happening in Whitehaven and help support the next generation of leaders that will have expanded access to swim education, early learning, and wellness programs as a result of this new facility.” Its 32,454 sq. ft. building is home to a wellness center, gymnasium, indoor pool, spaces for teens, and soon-to-be outdoor aquatics complex slated for 2024.
The ceremony brought together local and state government officials, including Gov. Bill Lee, Memphis Councilwoman Patrice Robinson, Tutonial Williams, interim superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, and Georgette and Cato Johnson, who all shared remarks at the opening. Longtime community leaders and members of Whitehaven joined together to support this momentous celebration for the Y as its second facility in Tennessee named after a person of color. “This new location will be a tremendous asset for the community, much like the individuals, for which it is named, have been to our city,” said Mayor Jim Strickland. “Congratulations to Georgette and Cato and to the entire Whitehaven community as you open the doors to this state-of-art facility.”
The $15 million capital campaign was made possible by a host of contributors, including the City of Memphis, Shelby County, public funders, foundations, businesses and organizations. “We’re so proud to have supported the construction of the new Georgette & Cato Johnson YMCA in Whitehaven," said Director Ashley Cash, City of Memphis Division of Housing & Community Development. “This state-of-the-art facility will provide opportunities for Whitehaven’s youth and adults to realize their fullest potential through a wide variety of sports, wellness, and social service programming. For the city to thrive for generations to come, we must continue investing in projects that promote sports, wellness, and job opportunities for youth and all community members, projects that build community assets such as the new Georgette & Cato Johnson YMCA in Whitehaven.”
The Georgette & Cato Johnson location will be one of their many sites for YMCA Summer Day camp, beginning in late-May.
The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South is one of the area’s largest nonprofits focused on engaging individuals and families in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. For more information on hours, tours, and membership for this facility, visit ymcamemphis.org/johnson.