After a three-year delay due to funding issues, development of a new YMCA in Jacksonville, Florida, was given the green light. Construction began May 19 on the $22 million Winston Family YMCA.
So far, the First Coast YMCA has raised $18 million for the project and plans to raise the remaining $4 million through the YMCA Healthy Futures and Capital Campaign, according to First Coast News. The construction process is expected to take about 15 months, Ryder Leary, operations director of the First Coast YMCA, told the TV station.
The new Winston Family YMCA is named after James A. Winston, a long-time Y supporter and Jacksonville business leader. It will replace the 60-year-old Yates Family YMCA. The new 72,000-square-foot building will be constructed in front of the old building, which will remain open during construction.
The Winston Family YMCA will feature an indoor track, aquatics center, group exercise studios, wellness spaces, locker and shower facilities, meeting rooms, a cafe and healthy living spaces. In the future, it will feature a splash park.