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Y is community's gathering place
By JOEL POILEY TAMPA PALMS -- Look no further than the YMCA to illustrate New Tampa's rapid growth. There were 793 members when the Y opened in 2001. In August that figure had climbed to 2,800, with a goal of 3,000 by the end of 2002. New Tampa branch manager Debbie Metzger is pleased the Y is a recreational gathering place in the constantly growing community. "We've become what we set out to be, which is a resource for this community to come together," Metzger said. "There are pockets of neighborhoods out here. You've got Hunter's Green, Tampa Palms, Cross Creek, Pebble Creek, and at the YMCA it's just all of us. That's a really fun thing to see happen. "It's been a pleasure to be part of this community because we have so many people that are interested in helping and volunteering and making an impact on kids in the community." Young couples with small children comprise 66 percent of the Y's membership. But the $6-million facility on Compton Drive also attracts seniors, teen groups and college students with flexible hours and age-specific programs. Members come from Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Land O'Lakes and Temple Terrace. Families arrive together, but often participate in separate activities. A full service nursery is what attracted Constance Bundick, who doesn't have to worry about 3-month-old Demetrius Jr. as she and husband, Demetrius Sr., 32, work up a sweat on the basketball court. "They feed the babies; they change them. I have memberships elsewhere and they'll come and get you if your baby needs changing," said Bundick, 36, who moved to West Meadows in September. 'We just moved here, so this will allow me to get involved in a volleyball or basketball league." Parents can leave children two hours at a time at the nursery and activity center, which added more staff to accommodate demand. In addition to the fitness equipment that's in constant use, aerobics and yoga have been two of the center's most popular programs. Yoga is now offered seven days a week instead of two. Dance fusion, a fast-paced cardiovascular workout popular with teens, is now offered four times a week instead of once. The swim team is 120 strong, and preschool basketball for ages 3-4 has also been well received. As with all Y programs, one of the character values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith are discussed after each group activity. New programs currently accepting registration include sports specific skills training, which offer private coaching for basketball, golf, tumbling and cheerleading. Group personal training, with four people in a class with one instructor, is also new. This differs from traditional one-on-one personal training sessions. "We've listened and tried to be responsive to members suggestions," said Metzger, previously a branch manager in Orlando. "The only complaints we've heard were comments like why aren't we open 24 hours." That's not in the plans, Metzger said, smiling. But as New Tampa continues bursting at the seams, expansion at the 42,000-square-foot facility is possible. The building is bordered by wetlands, so fields can't be added. There is room, however, for an additional 10,000 square feet in back of the facility. "As we continue to grow, our board of directors will certainly consider possible future capital campaigns to add things like an outdoor bath house or a family fun pool," Metzger said. "It will happen. The question is when." For now, 50-something Ann Reese and husband, Jay, 65, have found the stair climbers and other fitness equipment at the New Tampa Y just the ticket for a healthier lifestyle. "I come in three times a week, mainly to use the fitness equipment to increase flexibility and strength," Ann Reese said. "If I had my life to do over again I would have gotten involved at a place like this much earlier."
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