Big things are in the works at the local Y.
Tuesday, the organization’s leadership announced a major capital project that will add new amenities to the facility at 170 Landrum Lane.
Among the additions will be an 8,600-square-foot “airnasium” for basketball, group exercise, turf training and more plus a rock-climbing wall; an expanded KidZone with new outdoor playground; pickleball courts with gazebo; a wellness upgrade with state-of-the-art equipment and technology; exterior façade and roof renovations; pool resurfacing with renovated locker rooms and an overall facility update.
“It’s going to be incredible,” said Charlie Chacos, district executive director at YMCA of Florida’s First Coast.
“This day is huge day for not only the Y, but really for the community,” said Eric Mann, CEO and president of YMCA of Florida’s First Coast. “This Y has been a staple for this community for a very long time.”
David Brown, who was among those community members who first established the local Y in 1999, said the facility needed money to retain or increase its relevancy.
“My family and I decided this Y needed revitalization,” he said. “Not because it wasn’t doing a great job, but because in the 23 years since it was built, the world has changed. Kids have changed. Families have changed. What they need has changed.”
An example of that change might be the way everyone relies so much on their devices.
In recognition of how much Brown and his family have contributed to the local Y, it was granted a new name Tuesday: The Brown Family YMCA at Ponte Vedra Beach.
In fact, the family has contributed to the capital campaign “at a very substantial level,” according to Chacos, though the precise amount is being held private.
“None of this could be possible without the Brown family,” said Chacos.
The campaign is about halfway to its goal of $5.3 million.
“I would love for this town to come together and support this project,” said Chacos.
Once donations equal 70% of the fundraising goal, the Y’s officials will begin the discuss the possible completion date.
The 43,000-square-foot Brown Family YMCA has more than 5,500 members, and new ones are expected as the population grows. Of that number, 900 are children in the sports programs and 100 are in summer camps.
Capital campaign co-chair Steve Austin reminded those in attendance of the value of the YMCA. It offers a “Live Strong” program for cancer survivors and “Silver Sneakers” for seniors. It’s a safe place for children whose parents must work to go after school.
Those who would like to contribute to the campaign should go to fcymca.org/locations/ponte-vedra-ymca/brown-family-ymca.
