From the Director - July Brings Change & Growth

New Membership Software Platform

On July 9, we will go live with a new membership software platform to manage membership, program registration, donations, and more. Our team has been working diligently behind the scenes to make this migration smooth, and we ask your patience as our entire staff learns the system. You will have a new user experience when you log into your Y account to make membership changes or register for programs. Otherwise, your process for check in and payments should transition without interruption. Note: Because of this change, registration for afterschool for the 2024-25 year will open on July 9 instead of July 1.

Gulf Breeze Renovation

We’re finalizing plans for a complete renovation of our Community YMCA at Gulf Breeze. Thanks to members there who have patiently waited for this much-needed remodel. This project will include a floor-to-ceiling update of the entire space, a renovation of the locker rooms and multipurpose room, the addition of small virtual studios, and enhanced social and intergenerational spaces. We expect this renovation to begin in August and take about four months. Specific communication will be sent to Gulf Breeze members later this month.

New Website

On July 9, we also will launch a new website. We’ve built a site that is cleaner and simpler to navigate and that integrates with both our new membership software and our YMCA360 app. Registering for programs and exploring class schedules will be easier. In addition, we’ve created webforms for personal training, wellness orientations, private swim lessons, volunteerism, diverse abilities swim lessons, and facility rental requests. This will save time and reduce paperwork errors by sending these forms straight to the director who can help. We will continue adding new features after the site is launched.

New Space at Bear Levin Studer

Everyone who regularly visits the Bear Levin Studer Y knows that this facility gets busy. The Andrews Institute has decided not to continue their lease with us and will be moving out in late July. Although we are sad to see the departure of this healthcare partner, we are eager to claim the 4,000 square feet of space for expanded fitness and new family and youth programming. We are developing specific plans and will share them as they are available.

Rear Parking Lot – for Bear Levin Studer Members

Beginning this month, Premium Parking will also be managing the parking lot immediately behind the Y, using the same validation system. If you park in this lot, remember to enter your license plate number into the tablets at the self-serve kiosk when you arrive to receive three hours of free parking. Please note that, while members have enjoyed use of this area for parking, the YMCA does not own this lot.

Pullum Expansion

We’ve already shared that the long-awaited expansion at the Pullum Y is happening. For Phase 1 of this project – the addition of a 4,000-square-foot modular childcare facility, the addition of 2,000 square feet to our fitness floor, and the remodeling of our locker rooms – we are only awaiting permit approval to commence construction.

Whew! That’s a lot, right? It is, and we know that you probably have a lot of questions. While don’t have all the answers right now, we will continue to share details as they are available. Stay tuned to our website, our app, your email in-box, our social media platforms, and signage in our welcome centers.