Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA Officially Opens
The Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA is now open! The Tampa Y celebrated the milestone with a ribbon-cutting on September 28, just sixteen months after breaking ground.
“Today, we’re opening a resource that’s going to serve, connect and strengthen an already tremendous Wesley Chapel Community,” said President & CEO Matt Mitchell. The community's enthusiasm was evident from the start, with more than 6,300 members joined by opening day.
“That’s what the Y does so well. It creates opportunities for people to grow, not just physically, but as individuals,” said County Commissioner Seth Weightman, who reflected on his personal background of working at the Y as a young person. “The wait is over, the doors are open, and I can’t wait to see the impact this Y will have on generations to come.”
The new center is next door to BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, creating a new community center dedicated to health and well-being.
“The significance of today is not just about opening a building,” said Dr. Christopher Bucciarelli, VP of ambulatory services and chief medical officer of BayCare, “It’s about every child who gains confidence. It’s about every family and family member who learns healthier habits, it’s about every neighbor who finds a sense of belonging and connection underneath this building.”
After the ribbon-cutting, the community was invited inside to tour the facility, sign up for memberships and test equipment. The first class – a group exercise class – began at noon.
The new Y is already becoming a place for friendship. That’s the case for Andrea and Julita, two members who attended the opening day together.
“The YMCA has been a long time coming for me,” said Andrea, who recently moved to Wesley Chapel from New York. “I’m a retired nurse, so I’m really trying my best to get fit. They have a lot of Silver Sneakers classes. I’m used to doing body pump and traditional classes. With some recent injuries, I want to exercise. I want to keep moving, but without hurting myself. I believe that Silver Sneakers offers that balance.”
“I always wanted to be a member of the YMCA,” adds Julita, who shares that she’s also looking forward to group exercise classes. “Now that it’s opening so close to home, I’m excited.”
The two connected over their shared roots in New York. Now they’re beginning their YMCA journeys together as founding members of the Mary W. Sierra Family YMCA. As new members continue to join, stories like theirs are a glimpse of the connections and impact that will grow within the Y's walls for years to come.