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FishHawk addition to bring lean times
A YMCA across from the aquatic club is expected to attract up to 2,400 members in its first year.
By TRACI RADER
Published September 23, 2005
LITHIA - Starting next month, residents of FishHawk Ranch can enjoy their own YMCA.
A slimmed-down one. FishHawk Ranch's developer, Newland Communities, got the idea after seeing a YMCA Express at West Park Village in Town 'N Country.
"We are excited and looking forward to getting the doors opened," said Cindy Sofarelli, executive director for both the Campo Family YMCA in Valrico and the new FishHawk Ranch YMCA Express.
She hopes to open the gym in mid October in the FishHawk Town Center, across from the community's aquatic club.
The new 4,375-square-foot building will have basically the same equipment as the larger Campo Family YMCA in Valrico, said Tony Arroyo, senior wellness director for both facilities.
It will consist of eight treadmills, six elliptical trainers, two bikes, Nautilus and other machines, and free weights.
Residents can also get involved in 20 exercise classes a week such as step-cardio, aerobics, Pilates, kickboxing and yoga.
There will also be a two-member fitness staff and personal trainers, who can be hired for a separate fee, Arroyo said.
Parents of younger children will benefit from the nursery too.
"I'm just glad to have the opportunity to make a difference for kids all the way to seniors with their spirit, body and mind," Arroyo said. "It's what drives me to work each day."
Arroyo built his career around the YMCA starting with summer camp when he was in college in Oklahoma. He was involved in lifeguarding and sports, and later earned a degree in exercise science.
Members of any YMCA will have a reciprocal membership at the FishHawk YMCA Express, he said.
The YMCA Express will also relieve the Campo Family YMCA in Valrico, which has about 4,300 families as members, or more than 10,000 people.
The YMCA expects that about 600 people will leave the Campo Family YMCA and switch to the FishHawk club.
The opening of the new YMCA Express shows the explosive growth of FishHawk Ranch, which has about 2,900 homes with plans to top off at 5,000. The new Y is expecting 2,000 to 2,400 new members in its first year.
"We're looking forward to the convenience of having our own YMCA," said Pam Paresi, marketing manager for FishHawk Ranch.
The FishHawk gym may not be the last expansion for the YMCA in eastern Hillsborough.
"We are looking at maybe Riverview, Ruskin and the Apollo Beach area if the growth continues," Sofarelli said. "Maybe building, expanding or even a combo. We don't know just yet."
FISHHAWK YMCA EXPRESS
16144 Churchview Drive
Opening in October
Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon
Sunday: Closed
[Last modified September 22, 2005, 10:20:06]
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