PINELLAS PARK – The YMCA is looking into building a new multimillion-dollar full-service facility in the city that will include offices, activity areas and a swimming pool.
The new facility, according to YMCA consultant Chris R. Bell, is still in the planning stages and would be constructed on Belcher Road near Bryan Dairy Road.
Bell on Aug. 17 met with city officials to discuss the building that still needs to overcome regulatory, zoning and other obstacles. It would be the first YMCA ever located within the city limits.
“It’s still in the planning stages, but it would be a huge benefit to Pinellas Park,” Bell said.
He would not elaborate on the project other than saying that it is very much in the “conceptual stages.”
This will be the second attempt by the YMCA to build a facility in Pinellas Park. In March 2006 the City Council narrowly approved a proposal to look into renting city land at 102nd Avenue and Cross Bayou Canal for the construction of a 40,000 square foot facility.
Construction estimates for that project were between $8 millionand $10 million. At the time the YMCA said a market study showed that Pinellas Park would be a viable location for a new facility. That proposal called for an indoor pool, gymnasium, fitness center, child care facility and outdoor sports.
The deal for a 99-year lease fell through, however, due to location and other concerns. Mayor Bill Mischler at the time said there may be other locations in the city that are more suitable.
