Major Investment Underway at Southwest YMCA

The YMCA of Metro Denver is making a significant investment in the Southwest Family YMCA, creating modern, accessible spaces to better serve local families. Backed by $350,000 in federal funding secured by Congresswoman Diana DeGette in 2024, renovations now underway will include a new teaching kitchen, a modern ADA-compliant entrance, and expanded community spaces designed to support the Y’s educational and family programs.

Learn more about our renovation.

Preschool Reopening

As part of this effort of reinvestment by the Y, the Southwest Y Academy Preschool has reopened, offering families high-quality, affordable early learning for children ages 2½ to 5. Families enrolled in Y Academy not only receive exceptional early childhood care but also a YMCA family membership, swim lessons and homeschool PE for their children—reinforcing the Y’s holistic commitment to helping families thrive in spirit, mind and body.

“Our community’s future depends on giving every child a strong start,” said Breezy Bolden, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Denver. “The investment at the Southwest Y demonstrates how public and private partnerships can create lasting impact—offering families access to education, wellness and community resources all in one place.”

The non-profit Y strives to make early childhood education affordable and accessible through multiple options including YMCA financial assistance, as well as acceptance of Colorado’s Universal Pre-K (UPK) and the Denver Preschool Program (DPP). Together, these supports help ensure cost is never a barrier for families seeking quality early education.

Supporting Neighbors Through Challenging Times

The Southwest Y is here for our neighbors. To help families facing food insecurity, we’re expanding our Beyond Hunger Food

 Pantry Program with a new “Harvest to Home” initiative, running November 18 to December 30. The program will open to the public Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6 PM, offering access to healthy grocery items and fresh foods. Our shelves are stocked and our doors are open to anyone in need—because, at the Y, we believe no one in our community should go hungry. 

Special Offer to Join the YMCA

In addition to early childhood education and community services, the Southwest YMCA also offers a full range of amenities and member benefits, including group exercise classes, a pool and the latest EGYM smart fitness technology. Members receive fitness orientations, discounted pricing on programs like Youth Sports, Summer Camp, and more, as well as nationwide YMCA access, virtual programming through YMCA360, and a variety of member and community events such as Breakfast with Santa and Leaf Peeping Tours. Monthly memberships range from $40 to $105, and if you join the Southwest YMCA by December 24, 2025, we have a special offer: Join by Dec. 24, 2025, and get 50% off your monthly membership rate for January, February and March AND if you also buy one 4-lesson swim package, you get one free.

The YMCA believes everyone should have the opportunity to participate in membership and in our programs regardless of their ability to pay. Learn about financial assistance, or ask our team.

Interested in joining or learning about Y Academy preschool? Visit denverymca.org/bogo.