Pinellas Community Foundation was thrilled to join the exciting ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Speer YMCA and Mangrove Bay Middle School partnership, a groundbreaking project that promises to reshape community health and student success.
On December 13, the collaborative effort between the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg and Pinellas County Schools came to fruition, marking the official opening of the 19-acre site at 501 62nd Ave. NE. The newly inaugurated complex, a first-of-its-kind in Tampa Bay, brings together a YMCA and a magnet middle school, showcasing a remarkable synergy between education, health, and community development.
The 111,757-square-foot facility boasts shared spaces and amenities, uniting YMCA members and 500 middle school students. The campus includes a media center, dining hall, sports track, and gym, emphasizing a holistic approach to community well-being and education. The YMCA offers a comprehensive fitness center with cardio and strength equipment, as well as an outdoor water area featuring a splash pad and a 25-yard lap pool.
This transformative project was made possible through a partnership that extends beyond the educational realm. Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Kevin Hendrick expressed the alignment of values.
“This partnership with the YMCA makes perfect sense for the school district. The Y stands for everything about improving the lives of children and families.”
The collaborative endeavor received crucial support from the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners through ARPA funding, administered by the Pinellas Community Foundation. This funding played a pivotal role in realizing the vision of a joint YMCA and school campus, emphasizing the commitment to community development and educational innovation.
The visionary project, initiated by St. Petersburg-based Wannemacher Jensen Architects and Harvard Jolly, repurposed the site of the old Riviera Middle School, dormant for nearly 15 years. The joint investment from Pinellas County Schools and the YMCA underscores the dedication to fostering community engagement and enhancing the educational experience for students.
As a magnet school, Mangrove Bay Middle School, set to welcome students for the 2024/25 academic year, will prioritize health and wellness education, reflecting the YMCA’s core areas of impact: Youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
“This project is like no other in Tampa Bay, a first of its kind.”
In the words of David Jezek, President and CEO of YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, “This project is like no other in Tampa Bay, a first of its kind.” The Pinellas Community Foundation is honored to celebrate this innovative achievement and looks forward to the positive impact it will have on community health, education, and the well-being of all residents.
to learn more about 5 Years Faster and Pinellas Community Foundation.
Follow us for the latest updates.