Members of the community and civic leaders attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at The Spurlino Family YMCA.

Since its January 10, 2019 grand opening, the Spurlino Y team has been providing much-needed services to more than 14,000 members in the rapidly growing Riverview/Gibsonton community. In less than a year, the Tampa YMCA’s first new family facility in nearly 18 years is already award-winning.

At the Hillsborough County Planning Commission’s 37th annual Planning & Design Awards, the Spurlino Y received an environmental and entertainment merit award. The special award recognizes the fact that the Spurlino Y will be the first LEED Gold-certified Y location and the second LEED Gold-certified Y building in Hillsborough County.

“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Creative Contractors, Fleischman-Garcia Architects and Real Building Consultants, the Spurlino Y has set a new standard for future Y buildings throughout Tampa Bay,” said Matt Mitchell, Tampa YMCA President and CEO. “We feel it is an obligation to all community stakeholders to make responsible decisions with the resources provided. Future Tampa Y projects will reflect a modern design and an energy-efficient infrastructure. The money saved from operating more efficient buildings will be reinvested into a Tampa Bay community that needs a strong YMCA now more than ever.”

Original Story printed February 2019

Located at 9650 Old Big Bend Rd. in Riverview, the 33-acre Spurlino Family YMCA complex is more than a gym.

In addition to group exercise programs and equipment, it features a pavilion perfect for picnics with friends and family, outdoor soccer fields, Airnasium (outdoor basketball), a one-mile outdoor walking track, a two-story kids’ play area, wellness programs and a lap swim pool connected to a zero-depth entry family pool with fun play features and a waterslide.

Riverview resident Ella Fernandez was attending as one of the facility’s newest employees.

The 17-year-old has wanted to work at the YMCA since she first heard that it was coming to Riverview. She applied and was hired as a lifeguard.

“I look forward to being a welcoming face and making people feel safe and comfortable,” said the teen.

Facility hours are Monday to Friday 5 a.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Membership fees start at $37 per month.

For more information, call 436-5890 or visit www.tampaymca.org.

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Michelle Caceres
MIchelle Caceres has been writing for the Osprey Observer for seventeen years. She enjoys writing human interest pieces about inspiring members of the community who are working to better our community. She lives in FishHawk Ranch with her husband and recently became an empty-nester. When not writing, Michelle is serving her church community, reading and enjoying Florida's weather.