For Diana Martin, the YMCA has been naturally woven into generations of her family’s story.
Now as she approaches 80, she finds herself reflecting on a lifetime of connection to the Y - roots that started with her mom.
Her mother once lived at the YWCA on Mill Street, now the headquarters of LexArts, after moving to Lexington for college. That move began a lifelong relationship between Diana's family and the YMCA.
Following her mother’s footsteps into the pool, Diana would go on to learn to float at the Y, and eventually bring her son and daughter to do the same through toddler swim and gym classes.
“My son became a college swimmer, too, so we can credit the Y,” she added.
Looking back, Diana says that those early memories and connections solidified what the Y represents: “I realized it was a safe place, a healthy place to be."
While she may shy away from sports involving a ball, Diana continues to find her own rhythm in the water.
“I’m not good at anything that has a ball [but when I’m swimming] it’s almost meditative or prayer-like for me. It’s good for my body, but I tell people all the time, I feel like the garbage falls out of my head, into the pool, and down the drain.”
When she's not swimming laps at the C.M. Gatton Beaumont YMCA pool, you may find her in one of our book clubs led by our very own Debbi Dean — just another example of how the Y continues to evolve alongside her.
After decades of involvement, Diana's story is a testament to the YMCA’s enduring impact—not just as a gym and swim, but as a community that supports families across generations.
“It’s a wholesome and welcoming place.”
