Author: Gary Nager

The Name Of Wesley Chapel’s $35-Million, 49,319-Sq.-Ft. YMCA Was Unveiled At A Groundbreaking Ceremony On May 28! 

 “This is much more than just the beginning of a construction project,” said Tampa Metropolitan YMCA president & CEO Matt Mitchell. “This is a beginning of a new chapter for the YMCA, and it’s the beginning of a new commitment on behalf of our YMCA to this Wesley Chapel community, because we’re here to break ground on what soon will become an impactful community resource and a vibrant hub for health and wellness.” 

Mitchell was speaking to a group of about 100 people gathered to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the new Mary W. Sierra YMCA (more on the name below) on land provided by BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital located just south of the 86-bed hospital itself. 

“This will be a place for day camps and new sports and drowning prevention programs for our children,” Mitchell continued. “There will be programs for our families that come together, and connect programs for cancer survivors, both adults and children. Programs that help prevent chronic disease. And programs for our seniors not just to exercise, but to have a place to come and socialize and be a part of an engaging community that helps them thrive. Programs like that, and much, much more, will be right here beneath our feet in the summer of 2026, and it’s gonna be something special.” 

Mitchell then acknowledged that, “Wesley Chapel is already a very special community, but this YMCA will be a new place where families and neighbors come to connect and build valuable friendships, all supporting this venue where every individual who lives in this community can come and live their healthiest and most fulfilled life in Pasco County and beyond.”

As to how the Tampa YMCA came to be able to build this $35-million, 49,319-sq.-ft. YMCA on BayCare’s property, Mitchell said, “We’ve got a lot of good partners, sponsors, funders and friends. And just to name a few — BayCare made this land very available and affordable to the YMCA long term, plain and simple. Without BayCare, there is no YMCA here. Thank you so much for the partnership.” 

 Mitchell also thanked Fleischman Garcia Maslowski Architects and the firm’s co-founder Sol Fleischman, who was on-hand at the event. “Thank you so much for the inspiration and the great design of the great spaces for kids and families that thrive in our buildings,” Mitchell said. “We appreciate you so much for being part of this project.” 

Next, Mitchell thanked Joshua Bornstein, the president and CEO of Creative Contractors, LLC, for “building this project. Josh has built [several] buildings for us and they’ve all have been tremendous, quality projects. There’s a lot of comfort knowing that Josh and his team are on this project as well.” 

He also thanked project engineer Dan Bergin, and the Seven Oaks Property Owners Association. “When we do a project like this, we like to engage with our local neighbors sooner than later and just see how they’re feeling and talking to them about our project. And, the Seven Oaks POA now made our immediate neighbors very accessible to us. So, thank you for the conversation, and for engaging us. We are going to do our best to be good neighbors.” 

Mitchell also thanked a few of the key donors, since, “This is a $35-million project, and a project like this does not come out of the ground unless you have some great lead donors,” including the Sierra family — “Bob and Mary, Hi and Lisa and Michael — who have all been such great friends of the YMCA,” including securing the naming rights to the Bob Sierra YMCA in Northdale. 

In addition, Mitchell thanked Joanne Spurlino of the Spurlino Foundation, who won, with her late husband Cy, the Tampa YMCA’s Red Triangle Award in 2021 as the organization’s top volunteers the year before Cy passed away. Mitchell said, “You’ve shown up for us in so many different ways throughout the years on so many different projects. During Covid, Joanne, Cy and I were sitting in my truck in the middle of this field, just imagining the possibilities. And we’re here, Joanne. Thank you so much for everything. You’ve been such a great friend.” 

Mitchell also gave thanks to Congresswoman Laurel Lee, “who couldn’t be here today to speak with us because she got bucked off a horse yesterday, so she’s a little sore this morning. She’ll be here for the ribbon-cutting. But, if you see her, thank her, because she really advocated for this community, for this YMCA, and secured some great funding through the federal government to help build this YMCA.” 

Mitchell also thanked lead donors David and Liz Kenney and the YMCA’s new bank, Valley Bank, which is providing the funding for the project. 

He then turned the mic over to Larry Bevis (left) the chairman of the Board of Directors for the Tampa Metro YMCA. Bevis said, “Today is really beginning of something truly transformational. This new YMCA represents a shared vision that provides opportunities for a healthier and more connected community here in Wesley Chapel. And this project is the result of years of careful planning, true collaboration and the incredible generosity of so many of our neighbors — BayCare Hospital, our elected officials, civic leaders and, of course, our friends from the surrounding communities, many of whom are with us here today. Your belief in this mission and your unwavering support have made this possible. From the bottom of our hearts., we thank you.” 

Bevis added, “We’re obviously very excited about this new YMCA. The two, story building will encompass, nearly 50,000 sq. ft., with an additional 36,000-sq.-ft. outdoor aquatic center.” (Note-That aquatic center will be home to three pools — a covered 25-yard, 8-lane, 4,465-sq.-ft. competition pool, a 1,229 -sq.-ft. therapy pool, and a 2,625-sq.-ft. main pool with interactive water features and slide structure, pool equipment area and pool deck with shade coverings.) 

“Just imagine the laughter and energy of children playing on multiple acres of sports fields,” Bevis said. It will be an epicenter for families to connect and have fun. But, it’s certainly not just about square footage. It’s about the lives it will touch.” 

He also mentioned that 27,000 people, “live within a twelve minute drive from here. This YMCA will become a hub for those young people — a place to learn, grow and build lifelong friendships. And, it’s not just for the young. Nearly 20,000 seniors also live in this area. And this Y will be a gathering place for them, offering programs and a supportive community.” 

Bevis closed with, “As we turn the soil today, we’re not just starting construction. We’re turning towards the future, a future where this YMCA stands as cornerstone of strength and belonging, an opportunity for generations to come. A future where the Wesley Chapel community grows stronger together. Personally, what inspires me most about the Y is our unwavering commitment to serving all. Everyone is welcome. No one is ever turned away because of an inability to pay. That means families, children and seniors, regardless of their financial situation, will always have access to life-changing programs and support right here at this new YMCA. And, like all YMCAs, this is more than just a building. It’s a promise to our community. And together we’re making that promise a reality.” 

Another Personal Connection 

Next up was District 2 Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman (right), who shared his own personal connection to the Y. 

“The YMCA has played an incredible role in my life, and in a whole lot of people’s lives around this county. I spent summers in my youth working through college at the East Pasco YMCA and down to the Tampa Y. And it had a tremendous impact on my life. It’s where I started to understand, at an early age, about service to others and to our youth, our community and to seniors. And, just being a part of something bigger than yourself.” 

He added, “We’ve all been watching this beautiful piece of land here in Wesley Chapel for a while, wondering what might go on it. I think it was the best-kept non-secret around town. And I’ve got to say, this is truly worth the wait, because today we’re breaking ground on something that’s gonna make a real difference in our families, our kids, our entire community with this brand new YMCA. Here in Seven Oaks is a place where kids can play their first team sport and seniors can stay active and socialize.”

Comm. Weightman also gave, “a huge shout-out to BayCare. You know, without BayCare, making this possible with such a generous land lease or I don’t think this would ever have happened. And the opportunity that BayCare has provided to the Y shows real vision for the health and care of Pasco County. This project is a win-win for us, for wellness, and for our economic development, too. Over 300 new jobs will be created here at this facility. Many of our local teams will have their very first taste of working right here at this YMCA. And, I can tell you that if you’re going to go into the workforce, there is no better job than working at the YMCA.” 

Weightman then read a couple of letters he received from the parents of kids when he was a camp counselor at the East Pasco YMCA in Zephyrhills. 

“I guess I kept them because of the feelings I got from these at the time. It just showed the special relationships that you build and the impact and what it means to the people, to parents, especially as they’re going to work, and they’re dropping their kids off at summer camp, and here they are entrusting you with their kids.” 

One of the notes from a parent said, “Mr. Seth, I just wanted to let you know that you’ve made an impact on my son Brandon this summer. He often talks about the things you tell him, and also that you have taken the extra minute when he needed you. Brandon looks up to you, and it’s been a positive experience for him all summer long. Thanks for making a difference in my child’s life.” 

Weightman closed with, “I’m very passionate about this organization and just incredibly excited that they’re building right here in Pasco County and Wesley Chapel. So, thank you all. I’m excited to see what the future has in store.” 

The final speaker was BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital president Nanette Wilcox (right), who said, “This project has truly been a community effort. I’d especially like to recognize YMCA President Matt Mitchell for his leadership and our BayCare Wesley Chapel Board members for their continued work during this journey. BayCare and the YMCA have had a long-standing collaboration. Both organizations share a common goal of improving the health and wellness of those we serve and providing high-quality care. With a Y, that means care for the community by providing a safe wellness space for families, care that is accessible and focused on the needs of the residents. For BayCare, it’s providing safe health care options in our community and excellent services.” 

Speaking of those services, Wilcox added, “We recently opened our BayCare Medical Group offices in this hospital, where patients can get imaging and lab services, primary and specialty care, such as orthopedics [in one place]. With the opening of the new YMCA next door, the patients will have a new space to continue their wellness journey. This extends to our hospital team members as well, many of whom have been looking forward to taking advantage of the amenities and services offered by the new YMCA that they’ve been hearing about.” 

She added, “As we all know, the Wesley Chapel area is rapidly expanding, with our population expected to grow by 40% over the next 20 years. This gives us a tremendous opportunity to reach so many people and strengthen our community through our commitment to health and wellness. I can’t think of a more reliable partner to join us in meeting the community’s needs than the YMCA.” 

A Very Special Dedication 

Before turning the dirt for the groundbreaking ceremony, Mitchell said, “As you know, we take immense pride in our work to help strengthen our communities and really enable everybody to be the best version of themselves. But, but there’s been people along the way that have enabled us and propelled us into being the impactful organization that we are today. 

“Back in 1985, we had the pleasure of opening up the Bob Sierra Family YMCA. And, that Y, for the past 40 years, has really served as a pillar for potential and promise as people pursue their health and wellness together. Over the last four decades, there’ve been hundreds of thousands of people who’ve gone in and out of the doors of that YMCA. Kids, families, seniors, all engaging with their neighbors to really pursue health and well being. Today, our Bob Sierra Family YMCA has nearly 12,000 members, and that’s not including all the kids who come there for day camp and new sports and things of that nature. Each and every year, that Y sees almost 400,000 individual visits. That YMCA has been such a gem in that Carrollwood/Lake Magdalene/Northdale area. It’s just truly amazing. We thank Bob for his great vision back then to provide that resource to so many families. 

“Bob and Mary really wanted to make sure that this Wesley Chapel YMCA was a reality for this community. So, Bob and Mary have agreed to fund the naming rights for this YMCA. 

“So I’m really happy to share that this Wesley Chapel YMCA will be known as the Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA.” 

For more information about the Wesley Chapel/Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA, visit TampaYMCA.org.