YMCA waiving fees, locking in rates for those who join in November

By YVETTE C. HAMMETT

The $16.4 million project landed in Riverview when Hillsborough County agreed to lease the property to the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA

The massive indoor space and the outdoor aquatic center are complete. And while the new Spurlino Family YMCA in Riverview doesn’t officially open until January, its staff is offering a one-time super deal for those who join in November, starting Saturday.

A job fair takes place on-site Sunday.

Community members can officially join on Saturday, either at the site at 9650 Old Big Bend Road in Riverview or online to save time and avoid the lines.

“We are offering early birds a great offer to join now as opposed to waiting until January 2019,” said Communications Director Lalita Llerena. “If they join in November, we will waive their join fee, up to $59 in savings, and allow them to lock in their same membership rate forever — as long as they don’t cancel or change their membership package. They’ll pay for their first month when they join and the next membership draft won’t be until Feb. 1, 2019.”

“I am extremely excited about setting up our membership trailer here at the Spurlino Y,” said new Executive Director Jeremy Hester. “We want to give the community an opportunity to sign up for Y membership early… so we are putting together a trailer that will serve as our temporary office. We encourage everyone who has interest in Y membership to come visit us starting that day.

“We will have a great team here on-site to welcome members and guests, answer questions, and help them sign up for membership.”

The $16.4 million project landed in Riverview when Hillsborough County agreed to lease the property to the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.

“As a top-rated charity, we raise dollars throughout the year in our annual campaign to keep our doors open to all,” Llerena said. “Thanks to the community’s generosity, we’re able to provide financial assistance to kids, adults and families facing financial hardship.”

Every dollar is used locally, she said. “From membership, summer camp and swim lesson scholarships to our Livestrong cancer survivor program and Pedaling for Parkinson’s — our fundraising efforts ensure we remain open to all walks of life in our community. Donations help the Y strengthen the community.”

What that means is that the Y works to ensure that no one is turned away because they can’t afford it.

There is plenty to keep everyone busy at the new Y. It will offer a state-of-the art wellness center with top-notch equipment, innovative fitness technology, an indoor cycling studio and two group exercise rooms for popular classes such as cycling, yoga, Zumba and boot camp. 

The Y currently offers youth soccer, basketball and summer camp. Once the entire Y opens, there will also be a Stay & Play for children to learn and play while their parents work out, Parents’ Night Out, teen leadership programs, swim lessons, swim teams for all ages and family-friendly events.

There will also be personal and group training, a diabetes prevention program, a cancer survivor program, active older adult programs, health education seminars and other social events.

Some of its outdoor fields and other amenities have been open for months.

During the hiring event, which takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, applicants can throw their hat in for one of more than 100 part-time positions.

The hiring event includes immediate interviews and, in some cases, job offers.

“Our leadership team is almost complete, and we look forward to building each program area with great associates and volunteers who have a passion for the Y’s mission,” Hester said. “We anticipate this family center will have 125-plus jobs over the next few months.”

Job applicants must be at least 16 and can apply and interview for positions in wellness, membership, aquatics, sports and childcare. To learn more, visit www.tampaymca.org/join-us/careers/. An RSVP is required. Email careers@tampaymca.org. 

A grand opening for the Spurlino Y is planned for January 2019. The exact date and time are yet to be determined