{"id":42864,"date":"2016-07-25T09:26:29","date_gmt":"2016-07-25T09:26:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/firstcoastymca.org\/?p=42864"},"modified":"2017-03-30T14:35:09","modified_gmt":"2017-03-30T18:35:09","slug":"new-riverside-ymca-invites-first-coast-residents-celebrate-august-grand-opening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/portfolio.curran-connors.com\/FCYMCA\/new-riverside-ymca-invites-first-coast-residents-celebrate-august-grand-opening\/","title":{"rendered":"This is Yours \u2013 New Riverside YMCA Invites First Coast Residents to Celebrate August Grand Opening"},"content":{"rendered":"

Flagship branch aims to serve the most diverse community in Jacksonville<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2013 July 25, 2016<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 After serving Jacksonville\u2019s downtown and riverside communities for more than six decades, the Yates Family YMCA will pass its torch to the new Winston Family YMCA, which is named after local civic leader and philanthropist James H. Winston. Located on the same property on Riverside Avenue, the upcoming flagship branch will host a ribbon cutting event on Friday, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m., followed by the official grand opening with festivities taking place throughout the weekend. Coinciding with the grand opening, the Y\u2019s 10th annual First Coast Games will also host its closing ceremony and 5K event at the new facility on Saturday morning, Aug. 27.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are incredibly excited for all First Coast residents to experience the new Winston Family YMCA and witness the unwavering commitment the Y has for our community,\u201d said YMCA of Florida\u2019s First Coast President and CEO Eric Mann. \u201cAs we open the doors of the facility, we unlock the endless potential of this city to cultivate a better, healthier future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Since its inception, the Yates Family YMCA has been one of the area\u2019s most diverse branches, both in terms of race and socioeconomic status. One out of every three members receives some form of financial assistance from the Y to take part in programs and activities. The Winston Family YMCA will carry out that same mission in enhancing people\u2019s lives, showcasing the inclusiveness and welcoming spirit of the city.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe First Coast YMCA touches the lives of thousands of our citizens in so many ways, and that is why I am so excited to see Riverside being rejuvenated with a brand new health, wellness and rehab facility.\u201d said Winston. \u201cIn my mind, the new Y is destined to become a regional center and the flagship of the First Coast YMCA\u2019s 15 branches, and a beacon to the public reaffirming the Y\u2019s dedication to this community and to a healthier future for the First Coast.\u201d<\/p>\n

The 72,000 square-foot, riverfront facility will serve as a hub for the Y\u2019s community-focused efforts to reduce chronic illnesses such as cancer, stroke, heart disease and diabetes. In addition, the new Y will foster connections, create new opportunities, and provide the encouragement and support that will positively change the lives of area residents through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.<\/p>\n

What to expect and why it matters: <\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n