The Old School Building: A True Community Hub

If you’ve ever stepped inside the Old School Building in Memorial Park, you know it’s more than just walls and rooms — it’s a place where Tybee’s community comes together in countless ways. Here are just a few of the things you’ll find inside:

🏫 Meeting Rooms & Shared Spaces
From YMCA fitness classes and youth camps to community meetings, card games, and city archives, this building is host to many groups that serve us all. The Old School Cafeteria is where we vote, gather, and serve, through the Rising Tyde Food Pantry and so much more.

Did you know? The Old School Cafeteria and Classroom 6 are available to the community free of charge. To book the space of your gathering, check the calendar here. 

💪 Fitness & Health with the YMCA
The Old School Building is also home to the Tybee YMCA — which serves as the City of Tybee’s Recreation Department. With the state-of-the-art E-Gym, a wide range of group classes, personal training, and activities for seniors and teens, the Y makes fitness and wellness accessible to everyone. It’s a place where neighbors come together to stay active, healthy, and connected.

Did you know?  Tybee residents over 60 years old hold the benefit of attending YMCA fitness classes for free. Financial assistance for children, teens, adults and families who cannot afford the full cost of a Y membership or YMCA programs is also available, as well as seasonal memberships and daily guest passes for visitors.

🎨 Creative and Healing Programs
Walk down the hall and you’ll see the Art Therapy wall, showcasing works that prove art isn’t just expression — it’s also healing. You might also stumble across a meditation session in progress, reminding us that wellness includes peace and quiet too.

🌍 Community Resources
The building is also a place where neighbors help neighbors. The Community Hygiene Locker and Pet Locker provide free supplies to anyone in need. There’s even a bulletin board filled with health and safety resources for parents and families.

Did you know?  The Tybee YMCA helps our community regularly. From providing beds to those in need, serving as a storm shelter in a crisis, they Y is living its mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Follow the Y on Facebook to learn more.    

♻️ Sustainability in Action
Tybee is proud of its island stewardship, and the Old School Building plays a big role with its Hard-to-Recycle Center. From #5 plastics and batteries to beach toys and eyeglasses, bins line the hallways to make sure materials get reused and recycled instead of ending up in the landfill.

🌞 Inspiration for All Ages
Whether it’s a young camper learning to surf with the YMCA, a family dropping off beach toys for the next kid to enjoy, Skate Night for young and young at heart, or neighbors gathering for a city workshop, this building is buzzing with community spirit every day. The Old School Building shows what’s possible when we combine history, creativity, sustainability, and service — all under one roof. It’s not just a building. It’s Tybee’s living room.

Unfortunately, this valuable community resource is under strain. The Old School Building faces challenges from its age and location. The building needs significant repairs and upgrades to address deferred maintenance, and its position in a flood-prone area raises concerns about future storm damage and long-term resilience. As our community comes together to address our needs and the services provided in the park, we look forward to working with city officials and partners to build a more resilient home for our community hub.