March Business of the Month: Hilliker YMCA

​For 25 years, the Don M. and Margaret Hilliker YMCA has served as a cornerstone for health, connection, and community in Bellefontaine and throughout Logan County. A proud Chamber member, the Hilliker YMCA continues to play a vital role in strengthening the community through programs that support physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

​The Hilliker YMCA was established to meet a growing need in Logan County for a community-centered fitness and wellness facility focused on body, spirit, and mind. For more than two decades, the Bellefontaine branch has carried forward the mission of the YMCA of Central Ohio - to ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to lead healthier, more connected lives.

Located in Bellefontaine, the facility features a fitness floor, indoor swimming pool, and group exercise studio, offering a welcoming space for residents of all ages. Over the years, the YMCA has become more than just a place to work out - it’s where friendships are formed, families grow stronger, and community members support one another.

Serving a five-generation community, the Hilliker YMCA offers a wide variety of programs designed to meet people wherever they are on their wellness journey. From youth activities to senior fitness programs, the YMCA strives to create opportunities for everyone to stay active and engaged.

Popular offerings include:

• Youth sports leagues and swimming lessons
• Group exercise classes like Aqua Fit, Strong & Fit, Spin, and SilverSneakers
• New programming such as Yoga, Dance Beats, Iron Teens, personal training, and stroke lessons
  
  

These programs not only improve physical health but also help build confidence, friendships, and lifelong habits.

Many people may not realize that the YMCA is a nonprofit organization committed to accessibility. Through its scholarship programs, the Hilliker YMCA ensures that financial barriers never prevent someone from participating.

In 2024 alone, the YMCA awarded $22,459 in scholarships, and that number grew even higher in 2025. The impact of these efforts can be seen across the community:

• 4,800+ members served
• 75,000+ visits to the facility in one year
• 300+ youth participating in sports programs
• 99 children learning to swim last year
  
  

These programs are critical in helping young people gain life skills, build confidence, and stay safe in the water.

The YMCA team believes that a welcoming environment is essential to creating a positive member experience. Recently, the facility has undergone several improvements, including:

• Installation of new treadmills, dumbbells, benches, and bars
• LED lighting upgrades to brighten the fitness center
• Expanded class offerings to meet evolving member interests
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The response from members has been overwhelmingly positive. “Seeing and hearing the joy our members get when they walk in and notice the improvements is one of our greatest joys,” shared the leadership team. “The experience starts with our people, and we have the greatest crew in Logan County. They know this is more than a job - it’s service to the community.”

New benches, bars, dumbbells, and LED lighting upgrades to brighten the fitness center at Hilliker YMCA

At its core, the YMCA believes that community is more than a neighborhood - it’s a shared commitment to care for one another and create opportunities for everyone to thrive. Recently, the Hilliker YMCA has ramped up its involvement across Logan County, focusing on getting out into the community, hosting more events, and building stronger partnerships.

The branch is working closely with other YMCA programs and amenities throughout the county, including the YMCA Early Learning Center and Camp Willson, to expand opportunities for youth, families, and community members to connect with YMCA programming beyond the facility walls.

This renewed community focus is being led by newly promoted Executive Director Matt Evans. “Serving the kids has been a great joy, and I’m excited about helping the Y continue its shift from just a membership organization to a true community,” says Evans. “Growing up here has given me years of perspective. I’ve seen and heard so much that I can now bring to the Y to better serve our neighbors. I’m really looking forward to working with teams across Central Ohio to keep making the Y a place where everyone belongs.”

With this leadership and renewed vision, the YMCA continues to expand its impact and strengthen its role as a community hub.

Looking ahead, the YMCA is preparing for Healthy Kids Day, an exciting community event coming up this April. This family-focused event promotes healthy lifestyles for children and offers local businesses an opportunity to engage with families across the community.

One way businesses can participate is by donating an item for the Healthy Kids Day silent auction. Companies may contribute an item that represents their brand or purchase a unique item to donate. All donations will be prominently displayed and acknowledged during the event.

In appreciation for their support, participating businesses will have the opportunity to promote their brand at the YMCA during the event, with space available to display materials, interact with attendees, and connect directly with community members. By partnering with Healthy Kids Day, businesses help raise essential funds while aligning their brand with a positive, family-centered initiative focused on the health and well-being of children.

The YMCA’s success is driven by a passionate team of staff members who are committed to serving others—from lifeguards and instructors to membership specialists and facility staff. Under the leadership of Executive Director Matt Evans, the team works daily to ensure that every member feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged.
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Facilities Director Ben Tanner and Aquatics Experience Director Paige Norbury are among the long-serving leaders who help maintain the YMCA’s high standards and vibrant programming.

As the YMCA celebrates 25 years in Logan County, exciting improvements are on the horizon. Plans are underway for important exterior repairs and updates to ensure the building continues serving the community for decades to come.

The team is also excited to expand its outreach efforts—bringing the Y into the community and creating more opportunities for residents to experience the benefits of YMCA programs.

For aspiring entrepreneurs and community leaders, the YMCA team offers simple but powerful advice: “Bring joy back into the community. Everything else will fall into place. A friendly hello and a caring ear are needed in this community.”

Through youth development, health and wellness programs, and strong partnerships across Logan County, the Hilliker YMCA continues to make a lasting impact. After 25 years of service, its mission remains the same: to build a stronger, healthier community where everyone belongs. Learn more about getting involved by checking out their website or Facebook page.

Please join us in congratulating the Hilliker YMCA on being the Logan County Chamber of Commerce March 2026 Business of the Month!