Photos from Tampa YMCA
Riverview’s new YMCA, set to open in January 2019, will be a LEED Certified Gold facility, meaning it was built with a set of special standards meant to be environmentally friendly and healthier for those using the facility. It has special windows that reflect heat away and solar panels on the rooftop, among other highlights. This aerial shot of the roof shows a solar photovoltaic (PV) system that will help offset 15 percent of the facility’s power needs.

YMCA expansion to open in January;

reflects gold standard in construction design

By YVETTE C. HAMMETT

Light-colored materials for the roof, pool deck pavers and sidewalk help reflect the sun’s heat and reduce the heat island effect.

Riverview’s new YMCA on Old Big Bend Road is expected to receive LEED Gold certification due to the environmentally friendly, efficient and healthy way it was constructed.

The Spurlino Family YMCA is expected to open with a ribbon-cutting Jan. 10.

The LEED rating system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and is considered the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. 

The Spurlino Y is on track to receive the certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions aimed at achieving high performance results in: Sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

Real Building Consultants President Taylor Ralph, who is overseeing the certification, said this will be the first LEED-certified YMCA location and the second LEED-certified YMCA-associated building in Hillsborough County. The first was the Bob Sierra Family YMCA Gymnastics Center in North Tampa, which was certified LEED Gold in 2016.

“The Tampa YMCA builds a stronger community by promoting healthy living and social responsibility,” said Tampa YMCA President and CEO Matt Mitchell. “By seeking LEED Gold certification, we display responsible stewardship of the resources provided by our generous donors. Building green not only preserves natural resources, it also protects the health of our members, guests and staff within the building.”

As part of the process, indoor air quality is protected during and after construction, so people can breathe easily, Mitchell said. “An energy-saving heating and cooling system means less is spent on utility bills. And the maximized outdoor views improve the quality of life for all who use this Y. These small differences together add up to a major positive impact to people experiencing the Y and to energy consumption over the life span of the facility.”

Mitchell said the Y “leaned on our friends at Real Building Consultants and Fleishman Garcia Architects to help us design an environmentally responsible facility.”

Creative Contractors constructed the new YMCA. 

Some of the highlights of the LEED certification include:

• Designing the building to be over 20 percent more efficient than a comparable building.
• Installing plumbing fixtures that use over 35 percent less water than a comparable building, saving an estimated 280,000 gallons per year.
• Using locally sourced building material to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by transportation.
• Installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system to help offset 15 percent of the facility’s power needs.
• Using light-colored materials for the roof, pool deck pavers and sidewalk to help deflect the sun’s heat.
• Recycling over 90 percent of waste created during construction.
• Maximizing the views of the outdoors to increase the connection to nature, promoting occupant health.

Installing low-emitting materials to promote healthy indoor air quality.

The $16.4 million Spurlino Family Y was created in collaboration with the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 10 at 5:30 p.m.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the grand opening will include a night full of fun family activities, group exercise classes and healthy food samples. The event is free and open to the community.

The Spurlino Family Y is located at 9650 Old Big Bend Road, Riverview.