A new, camp-style recreation area officially opened at the McGrath Family YMCA in Rancho San Diego Thursday designed with the enjoyment of the great outdoors in mind.
“YMCA Camp McGrath,” the newest addition to the McGrath Family YMCA at 12006 Campo Rd., includes some adventurous features such as the Thompson Family Rock Climbing Wall, which stands at more than 50 feet high. Then there’s the Gaga Pit, a large octagon court used for a game similar to dodgeball where kids can run, jump and dodge.
The Page Pavilion at the new site is a nod to the camp atmosphere: it features a rustic, camp-style amphitheater cooled by shade sails where more than 250 kids can gather for camp songs, awards ceremonies, skits and performances.
Finally, the Center for Oral and Facial Surgery Picnic Area allows kids and families to enjoy some picturesque views under protective shade sails.
The East County Family YMCA says the new outdoor space will be used for a variety of rec programs for local camp-goers and families.
It was built with help from six major supporters of the East County Family YMCA: Laurie McGrath; Tom Page; the Hendrix Family; William and Adele Woolman; the Thompson Family and the Center for Oral and Facial Surgery.
In addition to Camp McGrath, the McGrath Family YMCA includes a sports complex, a 35,000-square-foot facility with the Sycuan Wellness/Fitness Center, the Dallas Pugh Gymnasium, a Youth and Teen Development Center and multiple group exercise studios.
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The East County Family YMCA operates the John A. Davis Family YMCA in La Mesa and the Cameron Family YMCA in Santee, as well as the McGrath Family YMCA in Rancho San Diego. For more information, please visit
