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YMCA will open pool to public each week
By SUSAN THURSTON
© St. Petersburg Times, TAMPA PALMS -- People yearning to take a dip in the Olympic-size pool at the New Tampa YMCA will get their chance in the next few weeks, even if they aren't members. The YMCA is opening its pool to the public for six hours a week as part of a deal with the city, which contributed $350,000 toward the project. Hours will rotate every three months to give as many swimmers as possible a chance to use it. "We've had collaborations before, but we've never opened up our facilities like this," said Dave Hollowell, vice president of construction for the Tampa YMCA. The $6-million New Tampa YMCA opened last month after years of planning and several delays. The 41,700-square-foot facility on Compton Park Drive in Tampa Palms includes a gymnasium, fitness center, climbing wall, locker rooms, nursery, family game room, teen center, meeting room and chapel. The YMCA decided to add a 50-meter pool after members of the Tampa Palms swim team sought the city's help to make the pool longer for racing. The YMCA had planned to spend about $500,000 for a 25-yard pool, comparable to ones at other facilities. The $850,000 pool is considered one of the finest around, Hollowell said. Made from stainless steel and coated with PVC, it is expected to last for decades and won't need repainting. YMCA officials plan to schedule open swim hours during the times most convenient to working people and families. Initially, hours will be from 6 to 8 a.m. Wednesdays, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Fridays and 2 to 4 p.m. Sundays. Lifeguards will be on duty. Swimmers who aren't YMCA members will enter the pool area through a front gate and have access to the locker rooms. Eventually, the YMCA hopes to raise money to build a poolside bathhouse, locker area and office. Officials said they have no idea how many people will show up for open swim. They figure some who use the pool will become members. "It's not completely benevolent on our part," Hollowell said. "It's good business." The YMCA opened with about 650-unit members, which was short of the 1,000-unit goal. One unit is the equivalent of a single person or an entire family. Hollowell said many people were reluctant to sign up while the building was under construction. He expected to reach 2,400 memberships within the next six months. Memberships are $41 a month for individuals, plus a one-time $100 joining fee; and $60 a month for families, with a $125 joining fee. -- Susan Thurston can be reached at (813) 226-3463.
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