Marco YMCA Growing to Meet Demand

With an eye toward meeting current and future needs, the Marco YMCA intends to erect anew $8.5 million Healthy Living Centerdedicated to serving the island’s senior citizens.  

Plans call for a two-story, 17,000-square-foot building that will include a fitness-wellness center dedicated to seniors, a racquet center, a café, an outdoor porch overlooking the racquet center, a small kitchen and multi-use space for meetings, gatherings, group exercise and other Y programs. There’ll also be an outdoor garden and a covered walkway that connects with the Y’s main building.  

Marco Island’s planning board approved site plans for the project in early August. Construction is slated to begin next year, with completion to occur in late 2025, said Cindy Love-Abounader, CEO-president of the YMCA of Collier County, withanother branch located off Pine Ridge Road. 

While expanding offerings for seniors is the driving force behind the expansion, that goal is partially fueled by the fact the existing building is bursting at the seams.  

“The YMCA continues to grow and we're out of space and cramped for the existing programs we run,” explained Paul Tateo, co-chairman of the Y’s Active Life Campaign, along with fellow board of directors member Ashley Lupo. “Our fitness facility is small. We really need to expand the capacity we have to offer this community because we have people here who are older, 70s and 80s and more. We have young people, we have daycare here, we have health programs, in essence, therapy types of programs, people that are playing tennis or pickleball or going to the gym. There's just a lot going onthis campus.”  

Constructing the new Healthy Living Center will lessen demand at the existing facility, making space for youth, family and other programs, said Love-Abounader.  

Lupo said the Y is dedicated to serving the entire community and being responsive to its needs, including those of underserved segments such as seniors. 

“We were blessed during the pandemic to be able to provide an outlet for the active adult population through sporting additions on our courts,” she said. “Since then, we have noticed a need for programming for active adults who don't participate in a court orrigorous aerobic sports to provide them with an area for activities that are more intellectualthan physical. That doesn't exist on Marco.” 

Providing spaces and activities that allow seniors to gather, relax, and socialize is also a focal point.  

“One of the things we've tried really hard to expand is our ability to serve adults that don't have a lot of relationship interaction throughout the day,” said Lupo. “If it's providing them with lunches and bringing them to the facility, we'd like to be able to do that.” 

Thus far, two grants totaling $2.95 million have been obtained from the State of Florida for the project, said John Riley, the Director of Capital Initiativesfor the Y, which is a nonprofit.  

“Our local officials:(State Senator) Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, was tireless in helping us,” he added. “(State Representative) Bob Rommel, R-Naples was a big supporter and champion of this as well. That really is our lead donation on this project. We’re very thankful for their help.” 

Donations have also been received from members of the Y’s board, among others, said Riley.  

The coming months will see the public fundraising campaign ramp up further. Starting in the fall, generating funds by hosting receptions and parties is one tool that will be used. Specific information about fundraising efforts will be released over the coming months as the busy tourist season unfolds.  

“We're looking for folks that want to be involved in the fundraising efforts to ensure that this facility is builtso that we can continue to serve and expand our programs in this area,” said Love-Abounader.  

For more information about donating and to donate, contact Love-Abounader at ceo@ymcacollier.org or by calling 394-9622, ext. 103.