New YMCA on Big Bend nears completion
By KEVIN BRADY
A Sept. 10 aerial view of the new YMCA on Big Bend Road shows construction is moving quickly toward a winter opening. “The community needs this,” said Joe Gregory, a local resident. “I can’t wait for it to open.”
The Spurlino Family YMCA, 9650 Old Big Bend Road in Riverview, took another major step to becoming a reality this week with the appointment of an executive director.
Jeremy Hester will oversee the $16.4 million project, which includes 32,500 square feet of indoor space plus an outdoor aquatic center. Construction is projected to be completed in mid to late December with a grand opening weekend extravaganza planned for January 2019.
“Our team is extremely excited about opening the Spurlino Family Y,” said Hester who will live in Riverview with his wife and daughter. “I have been with the YMCA in other states, and I have yet to see such an opportunity like this. We have a great vision to serve this community in many regards from youth programming and swim lessons to family activities, volunteering, senior programs, scholarships for those in need and much more. This is going to be an amazing Y family center where everyone is welcome.”
Once completed, the new Y will offer:
• For youngsters – Youth soccer, basketball, summer camp, a Kid Zone for children to learn and play while their parents workout, teen leadership programs, swim lessons, swim teams for all ages and family-friendly events.
• For adults – State-of-the art wellness center with top-notch equipment, innovative fitness technology, an indoor cycling studio and two group exercise rooms offering popular classes such as cycling, yoga, Zumba, boot camp, and Les Mills. Programs include, but are not limited to, personal/group training, a free eight-week weight loss program for members, a diabetes prevention program, a cancer survivor program, an indoor cycling program for Parkinson’s patients, a senior fitness and arthritis management program, programs for active older adults, health education seminars and other social events.
An artist’s rendition of the completed Spurlino YMCA shows families enjoying the pools.
• Aquatic center – A lap pool and family fun pool similar to the one currently at the Campo YMCA in Valrico and South Tampa YMCA with a zero-depth entry and fun play features for the entire family.
“Awesome,” was how Summerfield resident Nicole Hurt greeted the news that the new YMCA is on track to open later this year. “I believe it will bring activities, revenue and family fun to this area, and it will be a facility that we can continue to grow with.”
Vanessa Maresca-Cruz, a Realtor with Sellstate Legacy Realty and resident of Waterset, said her neighbors are also looking forward to being the first through the doors on Big Bend Road. “Residents are so excited for the addition to the area for family activities and additional pools since there are no centers locally. I think it is a great architectural design and a great addition to the area.”
“The aquatic center will be amazing,” said Veronique S Earnest-Lynch. “I cannot wait to start swimming laps again. Driving to Campo Y had become too far of a distance let alone traffic congestion. I am hoping they will offer the Livestrong program for cancer survivors. My swim buddy and I would love to start a group of survivors encouraging each other to swim laps.”
Membership rates, updates, jobs at the new Y:
One of the main buildings takes shape in this Sept. 10 photo.
• For information on individual and family membership rates, which have yet to be released, go to www.Tampabayymca.org, click “locations” at the top of the page and then “Riverview.” You can also add your name and email for up-to-date information on the membership perks, pricing and operating hours.
• The Big Bend Y Facebook page – search for “Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend Road” on Facebook – which also has regular updates and 2,700 followers.
• For more information call 813-436-5890.
Some 125 jobs in wellness, aquatics, sports, administration, membership and program management are available. For more information, email Jen.Federico@tampaymca.org.