Our History

The Fairview Greenburgh Community Center, named after long time serving Executive Director Theodore D. Young, is a multi-purpose facility that offers educational, cultural, social, and recreational services designed to meet the needs of a diverse community.

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Mission

The mission is to increase the potential of Greenburgh residents, their families, and the community to overcome institutional, social, and personal obstacles and to increase their capacity to generate economic, social, and personal resources needed to enhance the quality of their lives.

1960s

The history of the “Center” speaks to its importance in the lives of its residents within the Town of Greenburgh. Beginning in the late 1960s, the residents of the town recognized the problems facing their predominantly low and moderate income minority neighbors living in the heart of a stereotypical wealthy Westchester County community. Working together with local officials, concerned residents facilitated the opening of the towns’ first Youth Center. 

The Greenburgh Youth Center quickly outgrew the designated facility and community leaders, along with the town leadership, submitted for the federally funded Neighborhood Facilities Grant in 1969 to construct a multi-use facility located within the Urban Renewal area of the Fairview section of Greenburgh.

1970s

The Fairview-Greenburgh Community Center opened its doors at the present location in 1972 serving a predominately minority population ranging in age from Kindergarten through Senior Citizens. The service population became more ethnically diverse over the years. The Community Center has grown to provide a well-rounded choice of services and programs for youth including:

  • After-School Program
  • College Tours
  • Dance Programs
  • Entrepreneurial Programs
  • Recreational Sports Leagues
  • Roller-skating
  • Summer Youth Employment
  • Theater Arts Classes

1980s

In 1981, the Center broke ground to include a 6-lane Olympic-size Indoor Pool. The Natatorium is located in the rear of the facility. The pool opens at 5:30 a.m. and provides programs throughout the day such as:

  • Adult and Youth Instructional Swim
  • Arthritic Swim
  • FAST (Fairview Aquatics Swim Team)
  • Lifeguard Training
  • Scuba Diving
  • And more

Today

Visiting the Theodore D. Young Community Center facility for the first time, one finds that the building is very deceiving from the exterior. Our first floor lounge area is used extensively by our seniors that number well over 100. One of our main draws for the youth in this community is our full-size basketball gym which also serves as a multi-purpose room. With the addition of a second floor in the 1990s, the Performing Arts Studio, Audio/Visual Room, Library/Computer Laboratory, Classrooms, and Fitness Center are utilized for additional program offerings.