By Michelle Caceres
FishHawk resident Malinda Hancock was disappointed when she found out the FishHawk YMCA was going to be closing its doors for good at the end of September.
“I was so sad,” said Hancock, who frequently attended the group exercise classes while her 2-year-old daughter received personalized attention in the kid’s center.
Tampa Metro YMCA Communications Director Lalita Llerena said they didn’t renew the lease of the second floor Park Square unit because of an increase in competition from other gyms that had opened in the community.
“Residents were meeting their health and wellness needs in other ways and we saw a dwindling use of the facility, said Llerena. “It didn’t make financial sense for us to renew the lease.”
After checking out the other gyms in the community Hancock decided to give the Campo Family YMCA a try.
“They offered so many of the exact same classes I was taking in FishHawk with the same instructors,” she said.
Hancock was pleasantly surprised. She took a barre class with a focus on strength training and stretching. Her daughter was happy with the Kid Zone Learning & Play Center.
“Even though I have to drive outside of FishHawk to get my workout in I’m satisfied with everything the Y offers,” she said.
Llerena said the Campo Family YMCA, located at 3414 Culbreath Rd., is making accommodations for the influx of FishHawk members. Four new group exercises classes have been added with more being added in the coming months.
Six different memberships are available: family, senior, adult, youth, teen and young adult. Family membership rates at Campo Family YMCA start at $56 per month for a family of two or $66 per month for a family of three or more. Current promotions include the 20/20 program, where a new member referred by an existing member each receive 20 percent off monthly membership dues as long as both remain members. The promotion can also apply to two non-members joining at the same time.
As a not-for-profit charitable organization, the YMCA strives to make membership and programs accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Through the generosity of donors to its Annual Giving Campaign, financial assistance may be available for membership fees. To apply for assistance, visit a local YMCA for more information.
For more information about the YMCA or the 20/20 program visit www.tampaymca.org or call the Campo Family YMCA at 684-1371.
