History of the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA

Mt. Diablo Region YMCA turns 50!


The Mt. Diablo Region YMCA has provided quality programs and services to Contra Costa communities for over 50 years. The YMCA is a values-based association, founded on Judeo-Christian principles, dedicated to enriching the lives of all people through programs that strengthen spirit, mind and body. All YMCA programs are based on four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.


Founded as an extension of the Berkeley YMCA, the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA began its proud heritage of service to Contra Costa County in 1951, to serve the needs of a fast developing residential area with virtually no community services. In this first year of service the association served 248 members in 12 groups. In the next few years the YMCA expanded its area of service to Concord, Alamo and Danville, and its program to include day camp, and after-school and summer recreation programs.


In 1957 the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA was chartered by the National Organization and became an autonomous association. At this time the program served approximately 2000 members in a geographical area now expanded to include Orinda, San Ramon and Port Chicago. In the years since the chartering, the program has been further expanded to include Martinez, Pittsburg and Antioch.


In 1968, the first YMCA health and fitness facility was built in Pleasant Hill, where the Irvin Deutscher Family facility stands today. Over the next thirty-eight years, the YMCA responded to the needs for the growing Contra Costa County population by providing three additional branches in the eastern, central and southern regions of the county.


Today, the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA consists of four branches and an Association Office serving over twenty-two Contra Costa communities, including 15,000 households and 38,000 individuals.


The Mt. Diablo Region YMCA is the single largest licensed child care provider in Contra Costa County, currently serving over 1,000 preschool and school age youth daily at nineteen child care sites and two preschools. YMCA programs promote activities that develop life skills, character and self-esteem in young children.


Mt. Diablo Region YMCA Local History


  • 1951 - Founded as an extension of the Berkeley YMCA.
  • 1951-1956 - Expanded its area of service to Concord, Alamo and Danville and its program to include day camp and after-school and summer recreation programs.
  • 1957 - Mt. Diablo Region YMCA was chartered by the National Organization and became an autonomous association.
  • 1958 - January 3, 1958 Mt. Diablo Region YMCA was incorporated.
  • 1968 - Construction is completed on the YMCA facility in Pleasant Hill.
  • 1970 - Mt. Diablo Region YMCA expands programs to East County.
  • 1981 - Charters registered with the YMCA of the USA for service areas: Mt. Diablo Family: Concord, Pleasant Hill, and East County; San Ramon Valley: Alamo, Danville, San Ramon; Walnut Creek: Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda.
  • 1987 - The City of Clayton is added to Walnut Creek YMCA service area.
  • 1988 - Delta YMCA in Antioch, office in Brentwood and four day care operations.
  • 1989 - Mt. Diablo Family expanded 300 square feet to free weight and nautilus room.
  • 1990 - Corporate Office relocates to 710 South Broadway, Walnut Creek.
  • 1991 - Delta Family Branch opens in Oakley chartered to serve East County – 7 Child Care locations in Antioch, Pittsburg, Byron and Oakley.
  • 1992 - Corporate Board approves Capital Development Project for new facilities in Pleasant Hill.
  • 1995 - San Ramon Valley YMCA relocates its offices to Hap Magee Ranch Park.
  • 1995 - Corporate offices move to 395 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill.
  • 1996 - Board approves name change to Diablo Valley YMCA to better describe entire service area.
  • 1998 - Corporate Board approves plans for YMCA Development in San Ramon Valley. Property purchased for development of a new YMCA facility in Alamo.
  • 1998 - Groundbreaking Ceremony held June 1 to commemorate the construction start on first phase of new improvements for the Mt. Diablo Family YMCA.
  • 1999 - Phase I construction at the Mt. Diablo Family YMCA complete with opening of David C. Hays skate park.
  • 1999 - San Ramon Valley YMCA publicly kicked off their Capital Campaign & Building project.
  • 2000 - Phase II construction completed on Mt. Diablo Family YMCA and name changed to Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA.
  • 2001 - Diablo Valley YMCA location opens in Walnut Creek on Tice Valley Road.
  • 2002 - YMCA Board approves Strategic Long Range Plan through 2007 targeted at major capital expansion and growth.
  • 2002 - YMCA opens new child care center in partnership with Byron School District.
  • 2002 - YMCA Board votes to create new service area realignment and adds a new Antioch/Pittsburg YMCA and Concord YMCA.
  • 2005 - YMCA Board approves $15 million Capital Development plan.
  • 2008 - The Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA completes the first phase of their expansion campaign, constructing a full-scale sports court and expanded parking for seniors and special needs population.
  • 2009 - The San Ramon Valley YMCA begins construction on the bridge that will provide a path to their new facility.