Free Weekend at the Palm Harbor YMCA

Have you ever wondered what the has to offer? This weekend, you can find out, for free.

In honor of National Family Health Month, the Y is offering free weekend access to its facilities throughout October. Try out the pool or the fitness center, or any of the programs for children at no cost.

Just for stopping by, residents can receive an extra three-day guest pass. Plus, if you decide to purchase a membership, select locations will waive the join fee this month if you make a donation of canned goods.

Built in 2004, the Greater Palm Harbor YMCA began in response to requests from the community for services that complimented what the parks and recreation department was already providing.

The branch’s executive director, Randy Nilsson says residents drove theYMCA's conception — and demand drove its expansion.

“We opened in 2004 and people came in droves, then in 2005-2006 people started to leave because our facility was really too small.” The problem was remedied in 2007 when the YMCA expanded, creating a much more open and airy facility.

With its close proximity to Palm Harbor University High School, Nilsson said there is a significant relationship between the branch and the school. “We host the fusion dance team and the swim and dive team," she said. But it's not just physical activity that thrives at this YMCA, there is also space for mental exercise: "Our lobby becomes a study area of sorts in the afternoon —students will walk over after school,” said Nilsson.

Besides features like a colossal pool, water slides, spacious multi-purpose rooms, a magnetic playground, and exercise equipment galore, the Palm Harbor YMCA has a few unique amenities including a luxurious massage room which is across the hall from a weight room.

The YMCA also offers a unique before and after school care program for middle schoolers. This is a program close to Operations Director James Macchiarola’s heart, “We bus in 30-35 kids for our before and after school care. It’s not something the YMCA typically does, but it’s one of the programs that I see as most meaningful,” said Nilsson.

There are also options for mom’s who want a morning off. Kids ages 3 to 5 can learn Spanish or explore nature with the YMCA staff from 9:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. on designated days of the week.

Nilsson is proud of all the programs, from dance to swim, and encourages Palm Harbor residents to come check out the facility. “Right in the lobby there are information desks where people can sit and chat with someone about programs, classes and memberships,” she said.

The Greater Palm Harbor YMCA is located at 1600 16^th St. Palm Harbor, FL 34683 and can be reached by calling (727) 787-9622.