Oxford’s YMCA Continues to See Expanded Growth

Oxford YMCA / 703 North Lamar Boulevard

Established in August 2013, Oxford’s YMCA has seen expanded growth and offers more possibilities to the Oxford community than people are aware.

“Most people, myself included, in Oxford are unaware of the possibilities of a YMCA,” stated Leslie Kennedy, manager of Oxford’s YMCA. “I have been managing the Y for just over two years and every day, I learn things that our association provides.”

The association is part of the Memphis and Mid-South Association. They provide various programs for individuals of all ages and stand on their mission “to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.” Membership ranges from $30 to $75 and with it comes worthwhile benefits. They provide free swimming lessons, diabetes prevention programs, Blood pressure management programs, Livestrong (cancer support) programs, Summer camps, after school programs, reading assistance programs, as well as education programs.

“In Oxford, we currently offer over 52 group fitness classes per week, including free childcare, spin, step, piloxing, Zumba, barre, bootcamp, yoga, Pilates, total body classes and more,” stated Kennedy.  “We also provide personal training, fitness assessments, and massage therapy.”  In addition to the various classes and therapies provided, they also supply cardio equipment, weight loaded equipment and free weights.

After its establishment in August 2013, members learned additional information about the program by completing orientation and other forms of training that would further aid them in helping potential members of the program and community. During its first two years, a YMCA board was elected and they conducted a feasibility study.

Members of the association experienced progress right away. Kennedy asserted that they immediately received brand new equipment for the facility including programming and computers. Before the introduction of YMCA, Baptist Healthplex had not gotten new equipment for at least five years or more.

“Over the past two years we have expanded our membership, our class offerings and improved on the facility through minor construction,” Kennedy said. “We have individual, household, senior, and student memberships available.” Oxford’s YMCA, is much smaller when compared to others, however, they hope to build and become able to offer more to the community.

One of the program’s recent major progressions was receiving seven acres of land from Andy Callicutt, which, in turn, will hopefully become the new fully operational Oxford YMCA.  This land is located off south Lamar in the upcoming community being developed by Andy Callicutt.

For more information on the Oxford YMCA, visit them at  703 North Lamar Boulevard or call (662) 371-1500.

Mia Sims is a HottyToddy.com reporter and can be reached at masims@go.olemiss.edu