The Identify Of Wesley Chapel’s $35-Million, 49,319-Sq.-Ft. YMCA Was Unveiled At A Groundbreaking Ceremony On Could 28!
“That is way more than only the start of a development challenge,” mentioned Tampa Metropolitan YMCA president & CEO Matt Mitchell. “This can be a starting of a brand new chapter for the YMCA, and it’s the start of a brand new dedication on behalf of our YMCA to this Wesley Chapel group, as a result of we’re right here to interrupt floor on what quickly will turn out to be an impactful group useful resource and a vibrant hub for well being and wellness.”
Mitchell was talking to a gaggle of about 100 folks gathered to have a good time the official groundbreaking of the brand new Mary W. Sierra YMCA (extra on the title under) on land supplied by BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital situated simply south of the 86-bed hospital itself.
“This will likely be a spot for day camps and new sports activities and drowning prevention applications for our youngsters,” Mitchell continued. “There will likely be applications for our households that come collectively, and join applications for most cancers survivors, each adults and youngsters. Packages that assist forestall continual illness. And applications for our seniors not simply to train, however to have a spot to return and socialize and be part of a fascinating group that helps them thrive. Packages like that, and far, way more, will likely be proper right here beneath our ft in the summertime of 2026, and it’s gonna be one thing particular.”
Mitchell then acknowledged that, “Wesley Chapel is already a really particular group, however this YMCA will likely be a brand new place the place households and neighbors come to attach and construct precious friendships, all supporting this venue the place each particular person who lives on this group can come and reside their healthiest and most fulfilled life in Pasco County and past.”
As to how the Tampa YMCA got here to have the ability to construct this $35-million, 49,319-sq.-ft. YMCA on BayCare’s property, Mitchell mentioned, “We’ve acquired loads of good companions, sponsors, funders and pals. And simply to call just a few — BayCare made this land very accessible and reasonably priced to the YMCA long run, plain and easy. With out BayCare, there isn’t any YMCA right here. Thanks a lot for the partnership.”
Mitchell additionally thanked Fleischman Garcia Maslowski Architects and the agency’s co-founder Sol Fleischman, who was on-hand on the occasion. “Thanks a lot for the inspiration and the good design of the good areas for teenagers and households that thrive in our buildings,” Mitchell mentioned. “We respect you a lot for being a part of this challenge.”
Subsequent, Mitchell thanked Joshua Bornstein, the president and CEO of Artistic Contractors, LLC, for “constructing this challenge. Josh has constructed [several] buildings for us they usually’ve all have been large, high quality initiatives. There’s loads of consolation understanding that Josh and his group are on this challenge as effectively.”
He additionally thanked challenge engineer Dan Bergin, and the Seven Oaks Property Homeowners Affiliation. “Once we do a challenge like this, we like to have interaction with our native neighbors earlier than later and simply see how they’re feeling and speaking to them about our challenge. And, the Seven Oaks POA now made our speedy neighbors very accessible to us. So, thanks for the dialog, and for partaking us. We’re going to do our greatest to be good neighbors.”
Mitchell additionally thanked just a few of the important thing donors, since, “This can be a $35-million challenge, and a challenge like this doesn’t come out of the bottom except you may have some nice lead donors,” together with the Sierra household — “Bob and Mary, Hello and Lisa and Michael — who’ve all been such nice pals of the YMCA,” together with securing the naming rights to the Bob Sierra YMCA in Northdale.
As well as, Mitchell thanked Joanne Spurlino of the Spurlino Basis, who received, together with her late husband Cy, the Tampa YMCA’s Purple Triangle Award in 2021 because the group’s prime volunteers the 12 months earlier than Cy handed away. Mitchell mentioned, “You’ve proven up for us in so many alternative methods all through the years on so many alternative initiatives. Throughout Covid, Joanne, Cy and I have been sitting in my truck in the midst of this discipline, simply imagining the probabilities. And we’re right here, Joanne. Thanks a lot for all the things. You’ve been such a fantastic good friend.”
Mitchell additionally gave due to Congresswoman Laurel Lee, “who couldn’t be right here at this time to talk with us as a result of she acquired bucked off a horse yesterday, so she’s slightly sore this morning. She’ll be right here for the ribbon-cutting. However, when you see her, thank her, as a result of she actually advocated for this group, for this YMCA, and secured some nice funding by means of the federal authorities to assist construct this YMCA.”
Mitchell additionally thanked lead donors David and Liz Kenney and the YMCA’s new financial institution, Valley Financial institution, which is offering the funding for the challenge.
He then turned the mic over to Larry Bevis (left) the chairman of the Board of Administrators for the Tampa Metro YMCA. Bevis mentioned, “Right this moment is absolutely starting of one thing really transformational. This new YMCA represents a shared imaginative and prescient that gives alternatives for a more healthy and extra linked group right here in Wesley Chapel. And this challenge is the results of years of cautious planning, true collaboration and the unimaginable generosity of so a lot of our neighbors — BayCare Hospital, our elected officers, civic leaders and, after all, our pals from the encompassing communities, a lot of whom are with us right here at this time. Your perception on this mission and your unwavering assist have made this potential. From the underside of our hearts., we thanks.”
Bevis added, “We’re clearly very enthusiastic about this new YMCA. The 2, story constructing will embody, practically 50,000 sq. ft., with a further 36,000-sq.-ft. out of doors aquatic heart.” (Notice-That aquatic heart will likely be dwelling to 3 swimming pools — a lined 25-yard, 8-lane, 4,465-sq.-ft. competitors pool, a 1,229 -sq.-ft. remedy pool, and a 2,625-sq.-ft. most important pool with interactive water options and slide construction, pool gear space and pool deck with shade coverings.)
“Simply think about the laughter and vitality of youngsters enjoying on a number of acres of sports activities fields,” Bevis mentioned. It is going to be an epicenter for households to attach and have enjoyable. However, it’s definitely not nearly sq. footage. It’s in regards to the lives it’s going to contact.”
He additionally talked about that 27,000 folks, “reside inside a twelve minute drive from right here. This YMCA will turn out to be a hub for these younger folks — a spot to be taught, develop and construct lifelong friendships. And, it’s not only for the younger. Almost 20,000 seniors additionally reside on this space. And this Y will likely be a gathering place for them, providing applications and a supportive group.”
Bevis closed with, “As we flip the soil at this time, we’re not simply beginning development. We’re turning in the direction of the long run, a future the place this YMCA stands as cornerstone of power and belonging, a chance for generations to return. A future the place the Wesley Chapel group grows stronger collectively. Personally, what conjures up me most in regards to the Y is our unwavering dedication to serving all. Everyone seems to be welcome. Nobody is ever turned away due to an incapacity to pay. Which means households, youngsters and seniors, no matter their monetary state of affairs, will all the time have entry to life-changing applications and assist proper right here at this new YMCA. And, like all YMCAs, that is greater than only a constructing. It’s a promise to our group. And collectively we’re making that promise a actuality.”
One other Private Connection
Subsequent up was District 2 Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman (proper), who shared his personal private connection to the Y.
“The YMCA has performed an unimaginable function in my life, and in a complete lot of individuals’s lives round this county. I spent summers in my youth working by means of school on the East Pasco YMCA and right down to the Tampa Y. And it had an incredible influence on my life. It’s the place I began to know, at an early age, about service to others and to our youth, our group and to seniors. And, simply being part of one thing greater than your self.”
He added, “We’ve all been watching this lovely piece of land right here in Wesley Chapel for some time, questioning what may go on it. I feel it was the best-kept non-secret round city. And I’ve acquired to say, that is really well worth the wait, as a result of at this time we’re breaking floor on one thing that’s gonna make an actual distinction in our households, our youngsters, our complete group with this model new YMCA. Right here in Seven Oaks is a spot the place children can play their first group sport and seniors can keep lively and socialize.”
Comm. Weightman additionally gave, “an enormous shout-out to BayCare. , with out BayCare, making this potential with such a beneficiant land lease or I don’t suppose this might ever have occurred. And the chance that BayCare has supplied to the Y exhibits actual imaginative and prescient for the well being and care of Pasco County. This challenge is a win-win for us, for wellness, and for our financial improvement, too. Over 300 new jobs will likely be created right here at this facility. A lot of our native groups may have their very first style of working proper right here at this YMCA. And, I can let you know that when you’re going to enter the workforce, there isn’t any higher job than working on the YMCA.”
Weightman then learn a few letters he obtained from the dad and mom of children when he was a camp counselor on the East Pasco YMCA in Zephyrhills.
“I assume I saved them due to the emotions I acquired from these on the time. It simply confirmed the particular relationships that you just construct and the influence and what it means to the folks, to oldsters, particularly as they’re going to work, they usually’re dropping their children off at summer season camp, and right here they’re entrusting you with their children.”
One of many notes from a guardian mentioned, “Mr. Seth, I simply wished to let you realize that you just’ve made an influence on my son Brandon this summer season. He usually talks in regards to the belongings you inform him, and in addition that you’ve got taken the additional minute when he wanted you. Brandon seems to be as much as you, and it’s been a optimistic expertise for him all summer season lengthy. Thanks for making a distinction in my little one’s life.”
Weightman closed with, “I’m very keen about this group and simply extremely excited that they’re constructing proper right here in Pasco County and Wesley Chapel. So, thanks all. I’m excited to see what the long run has in retailer.”
The ultimate speaker was BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital president Nanette Wilcox (proper), who mentioned, “This challenge has really been a group effort. I’d particularly like to acknowledge YMCA President Matt Mitchell for his management and our BayCare Wesley Chapel Board members for his or her continued work throughout this journey. BayCare and the YMCA have had a long-standing collaboration. Each organizations share a typical purpose of enhancing the well being and wellness of these we serve and offering high-quality care. With a Y, which means look after the group by offering a protected wellness area for households, care that’s accessible and targeted on the wants of the residents. For BayCare, it’s offering protected well being care choices in our group and wonderful companies.”
Talking of these companies, Wilcox added, “We lately opened our BayCare Medical Group workplaces on this hospital, the place sufferers can get imaging and lab companies, main and specialty care, similar to orthopedics [in one place]. With the opening of the brand new YMCA subsequent door, the sufferers may have a brand new area to proceed their wellness journey. This extends to our hospital group members as effectively, a lot of whom have been trying ahead to profiting from the facilities and companies supplied by the brand new YMCA that they’ve been listening to about.”
She added, “As everyone knows, the Wesley Chapel space is quickly increasing, with our inhabitants anticipated to develop by 40% over the subsequent 20 years. This provides us an incredible alternative to achieve so many individuals and strengthen our group by means of our dedication to well being and wellness. I can’t consider a extra dependable companion to affix us in assembly the group’s wants than the YMCA.”
A Very Particular Dedication
Earlier than turning the filth for the groundbreaking ceremony, Mitchell mentioned, “As you realize, we take immense pleasure in our work to assist strengthen our communities and actually allow everyone to be the perfect model of themselves. However, however there’s been folks alongside the way in which which have enabled us and propelled us into being the impactful group that we’re at this time.
“Again in 1985, we had the pleasure of opening up the Bob Sierra Household YMCA. And, that Y, for the previous 40 years, has actually served as a pillar for potential and promise as folks pursue their well being and wellness collectively. Over the past 4 a long time, there’ve been a whole lot of hundreds of people that’ve gone out and in of the doorways of that YMCA. Children, households, seniors, all partaking with their neighbors to essentially pursue well being and effectively being. Right this moment, our Bob Sierra Household YMCA has practically 12,000 members, and that’s not together with all the children who come there for day camp and new sports activities and issues of that nature. Every 12 months, that Y sees nearly 400,000 particular person visits. That YMCA has been such a gem in that Carrollwood/Lake Magdalene/Northdale space. It’s simply really wonderful. We thank Bob for his nice imaginative and prescient again then to offer that useful resource to so many households.
“Bob and Mary actually wished to be sure that this Wesley Chapel YMCA was a actuality for this group. So, Bob and Mary have agreed to fund the naming rights for this YMCA.
“So I’m actually blissful to share that this Wesley Chapel YMCA will likely be referred to as the Mary W. Sierra Household YMCA.”
For extra details about the Wesley Chapel/Mary W. Sierra Household YMCA, go to TampaYMCA.org.
