- April 25, 2024
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Audience asked for suggestions, comments.
Wayne Grant
News Editor
Susan Weis regularly takes her standard poodle to the dog park at Bicentennial Park in Ormond-by-the-Sea. That’s why she was happy to hear the plans for the Ormond Beach YMCA, which is closer to her home, include adding a dog park.
“It’s an excellent idea,” she said. “I know many people in this town will support it. It’s good for the dogs to socialize and the people get to socialize too.”
Weis made her comments April 28 at the official unveiling of plans for a complete renovation of the YMCA on Sterthaus Drive.
Teresa Rand, CEO, said they are half-way to their $5 million fund-raising goal and expect construction to start next year. The pool, which was in phase one, should be complete by the end of June.
The facility will have a completely new look if all goes to plan, with extensive lighting, fountains at two entrances and expanded parking. The interior will have more a more open design and a community room.
The gymnasium will become a large cardio area.
“We’re going to continue all of our basketball and volleyball programs,” Rand said. They will be moved to the Holly Hill YMCA.
Those attending the meeting were asked to write suggestions on “sticky notes” and place them on the wall of the gymnasium. Rand said the design is still very fluid and member ideas will be considered by the project team.
Charles Lydecker, a top executive at Brown and Brown Inc., who is spearheading the fundraising and renovation, said some people tell him that the YMCA in Ormond is hard to find, in its current location in a wooded area.
“The flip side is we’re in a beautiful hammock,” he said. He said there are plans for a yoga room, with views of the woods, for a “zen experience.”
He also pointed out that the Y is strategically located in the center of town.
An audience member said he also likes the location. He said he lives on the beachside, and he is glad to see the Y renovated rather having a new one built out near Interstate 95, where new construction tends to take place.
Lydecker said a “doggie-human fitness trail” will be available to the public, as well as the pool on certain days, and that should increase membership. He said the facility will have such a “wow” factor, that visitors will want to join.
Currently, there are about 6,000 members of the Y, when families are included.
Member James Lambert said he uses the Y every day, and is glad to see the renovation plans. He said the current design reminds him of the 1950s.
Rand said the facility will remain open throughout the construction.
