The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City is excited to announce a completed merger with two previously independent YMCAs: Great Plains Family YMCA and Norman YMCA (formerly known as the Cleveland County Family YMCA). 

The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, which has been home to central Oklahoma for nearly 135 years, has locations from Davis to Stillwater and Bethany to Midwest City. As of Wednesday, Feb. 28, the YMCAs in Norman and Weatherford can now be added to that list. This brings the total number of locations within the association to 16, including one summer camp and a welcome center for military families at the Will Rogers World Airport. 

For almost two years, both the Norman and Great Plains Family YMCAs have been under a management agreement with the Greater Oklahoma City association while the merger was explored and approved by the boards of each organization and the Office of the Attorney General. 

Kelly Kay, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City, is looking forward to all the new opportunities this merger will provide Oklahoma families and community members. “I’m excited to formally welcome the Great Plains Family YMCA and the Norman YMCA into the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City family. The combined strength and collective efforts of both the Norman and Weatherford communities will undoubtedly pave the way for new opportunities and a strengthened impact for even more Oklahomans for years to come.” 

“Joining the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City allows us to put our best foot forward as a go-to organization in Norman for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility,” said Whitney Chandler, Norman YMCA Executive Director. “We’re thrilled to join and work alongside the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City to empower even more families and individuals to lead healthier lives.” 

“Our members and staff are ecstatic about joining forces with the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City,” said Krystal Milkeraitis, Great Plains Family YMCA Executive Director. “This merger will take child care, health and wellness, and community-building efforts within Weatherford to the next level.” 

On Feb. 13, 2024, the citizens of Weatherford passed a proposition to renew a half-cent sales tax for 10 years to help fund a city-owned community center that the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City association will operate. The plan for the new community center includes a state-of-the-art natatorium, encompassing a recreational pool, lap pool, and family swim area, as well as an outdoor aquatics facility. Also included in the site’s plans are a fitness center, group exercise studios, and gymnasiums with basketball, pickleball, and volleyball configurations. With a larger center comes the opportunity for expanded youth development programming with enhanced facilities, increased program capacity for school-aged care, and a youth adventure center. The groundbreaking date for this facility has not yet been set. 

“We always have things to look forward to when working at the Y, but this merger has created several new and exciting opportunities for Weatherford, Norman and the surrounding communities,” said Kay. “Most people think of the Y as a gym and swim, but we have so much more to offer. It’s really special to have the opportunity to dramatically increase the number of individuals and families we can offer lifesaving and life changing programs to. I can’t think of a better time to finalize this merger.” 

For more information and to explore the programs and amenities at each location, visit: 

Written by Corey Cargill, ccargill@ymcaokc.org