JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – June 30, 2021 – Today, the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast announced plans to help even more adults, children and families live healthier in spirit, mind and body with a new branch in Durbin Park, one of St. Johns County’s fastest–growing communities. Anticipated to open in 2023, the new location will be one of the First Coast YMCA’s largest facilities and part of Flagler Health+’s new 42.5-acre health and wellness campus.
While the new branch will offer first-class programs for better health and well-being for all, it will also provide a safe place for kids, adults and families to gather and become more connected with their community. In addition to fitness equipment and group exercise studios, the branch will feature an indoor aquatics center and an outdoor pool as well as expansive outdoor fitness amenities. The YMCA in Durbin Park will also offer Camps, Swim Lessons, Youth Sports, Family Programs, a Teen Center and KidZone.
“The Y is more than a place to work out – we’re a place of community. Of course, members will have access to state-of-the-art wellness equipment and facilities designed to serve all demographics but there will be so much more,” said Eric K. Mann, President and CEO of the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast. “Bringing our programs to growing communities such as Durbin Park enables us to expand our reach and help more individuals live healthier lives while also strengthening all our operations across Northeast Florida and ultimately, build a stronger, healthier First Coast.”
In the last decade, Durbin Park has grown nearly 40% and is projected to continue growing at an annual population growth rate of 3.28%. Designed with this growth in mind, the YMCA in Durbin Park on the Flagler Health+ health and wellness campus will serve thousands of residents.
“We are thrilled about our partnership with the First Coast YMCA and the premier destination we’re building together,” said Jason Barrett President and CEO of Flagler Health+. “Once complete, residents will have one-stop access to wellness programs that will ultimately work together to build a healthier community.”
Flagler Health+ broke ground on its newest health and wellness campus in Durbin Park in June, the third of its kind in St. Johns County. The campus is located between Interstate 95 and State Road 9B, the property was purchased from GATE Lands, the real estate subsidiary of GATE Petroleum Company. The new Flagler Health+ campus and the new YMCA are expected to open in 2023. ELM has been selected as the architect of record following an extensive bid process.
“The Y’s programs and services foster community connections, create new opportunities for youth and provide support that will positively change the lives of area residents,” said Doug Baer, First Coast YMCA Metro Board Chair. “We believe the new YMCA in Durbin Park will not only serve its local community and residents, but will also help bridge gaps in community needs across Northeast Florida for generations to come.”
As a non-profit organization, the Y relies on generous donations from community members, partners and organizations. The Y has launched a $7 million capital fundraising effort to pay for the new YMCA in Durbin Park.
The capital campaign is chaired by Darnell Smith. Other members of the cabinet include Rusty Newton, David Alban, Marty Fiorentino, Mike Santarone, Shelly Boynton, Peggy Bryan, Mark Bailey, Doug Baer and John Carey.
“Carrying out the YMCA’s cause of strengthening the First Coast is made possible by the support of our incredible community,” said Darnell Smith. “Donations of any size put us closer to our goal of building this new facility and creating healthier lives.”
Additional campaign details will be announced in the coming months. To learn more or support the First Coast YMCA, visit fcymca.org.
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About the First Coast Y
For more than 110 years, the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast has been providing men, women and children of all ages, and from all walks of life, opportunities to build stronger bonds, live healthy and become more engaged with their communities. Learn more: fcymca.org.
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