Within the next six months, the Brown Family YMCA in Ponte Vedra Beach will have undergone a complete transformation.
The facility, which opened in 1999, will boast an enhanced wellness center and KidZone, new locker rooms, a new cycling studio with state-of-the-art equipment, a new recovery room, a refreshed welcome center, updated restrooms and much more. Studio 9 Architecture is the architect for the project and Dav-Lin LLC is the contractor.
Members are already taking advantage of the facility’s new pickleball courts.
On Wednesday, Aug. 6, the Y broke ground on its outdoor Airnasium, a type of open-air gym with a full basketball court and turf space for outdoor workouts. A similar feature can be found at the YMCA at Nocatee.
“We’re just really proud to be a part of this project,” said Tyler Brown, advisory board member, capital committee chair and Brown family representative. “We’re proud at the way the community has rallied and supported it financially.”
Calling it a journey to get to this place, he spoke about meeting with the public while promoting the project.
“It’s been rewarding because I’ve had a chance to speak to a lot of people, a lot of community residents, and explain why we’re doing this,” he said. “I could kind of see the lightbulb going off; they want to be a part of this, as well.”
Former Web.com CEO David Brown and his family played a major role in founding the facility, and family members continue to be closely involved, contributing substantially to this $4.1-million project.
“We are just very grateful to the Ponte Vedra community and most especially to the Brown family for making this a reality,” said YMCA of Florida’s First Coast COO and CFO Penny Zuber.
She spoke of the project’s goals.
“From the very beginning, our focus has been creating space that is more inclusive, accessible and welcoming to all,” she said. “This project isn’t just about bricks and mortar. As David (Brown) used to tell me on numerous occasions, it’s about the place that people will use every day, where people can realize their full potential. We listened carefully to our members, to parents, to seniors, teens and staff, making sure that this space reflects the diverse needs of our community.”
Also on hand for the ceremony Wednesday was Eric Mann, who has been president and CEO of YMCA of Florida’s First Coast for the past 14 years.
“This Y serves the community, and we’re really excited about what it’s going to do, not only now, but for the next generation,” he said.
Mann plans to retire in June 2026, having been involved with the YMCA for the past 45 years, starting as an intern just out of college.
“Our Y is really driven by what the needs are in this specific community,” he said. “We want the community to come and make this one of the institutions that they support, because the Y does so much for so many.”
When he retires, Mann will leave big shoes to fill.
During his tenure, membership grew 33% and the association expanded across St. Johns, Clay, Duval and Nassau counties. New facilities, programs and collaborations emerged. Fundraising grew by 515%, and there was nearly a 40% growth in the number of individuals served.
“Eric’s service to YMCAs across the country and his steadfast commitment and innovative approach to improving people’s lives across Northeast Florida is unmatched,” said Gary Norcross, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast Metropolitan Board of Directors chair. “We are a stronger community because of Eric, and that is truly the measure of his leadership.”
“It’s been a tremendous honor to serve the YMCA and the Northeast Florida community,” said Mann. “I’m confident the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast will continue to thrive and positively impact individuals by providing services and programs that promote a healthy body, mind and spirit.”
During the groundbreaking festivities Wednesday, Board Chair Dan Fritz reflected on both the past and the future.
“Over 20 years, this Y has been a tool to bring people together,” he said. “While our building and our facility has faced many challenges over the years — limited space, aging infrastructure, barriers to access — we can now see a future and a greater impact, serving even more people for generations to come with this project.”
The renovation project is still accepting donations from the public. Some levels of giving could even add the donor’s name to a special wall or pavers at the site. To donate or learn more about the project, go to fcymca.org/locations/ponte-vedra-ymca/brown-family-ymca-expansion.
The Brown Family YMCA, located at 170 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach, will remain open throughout the renovation process.
