More Than a Name: Why Our Family Continues to Support the First Coast YMCA

by Tyler Brown

Do you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up? For me, starting when I was 10 years old, my dream was to become a professional golfer. A couple of my close friends and I were taking our golf very seriously and we knew if we wanted to play beyond high school, we needed to prioritize our physical fitness. Fortunately, the Ponte Vedra Beach YMCA had the resources we needed to strengthen our bodies and minds, helping us take our game to the next level.

Beyond my career ambitions, our family has always had a strong connection to both Ponte Vedra Beach and the YMCA. We all grew up here and my father was part of the team that brought the branch to fruition in 1999. It’s remarkable to see how it has grown over the past 24 years and we’ll continue to champion the YMCA. Our ongoing commitment is reflected in the branch now being named the Brown Family YMCA.

The reason we believe in the Y so much is because of the impact it has had, not only our family and those in Ponte Vedra, but on the larger First Coast community. We’re incredibly fortunate to have an abundance of resources at more than a dozen branches in the fivecounty area. Most cities don’t have that – they may have only one or two YMCA branches around town. But here, for more than 100 years, the First Coast YMCA has continually met families where they are and provided them with the opportunities they need to lead healthy lives.

That brings me back to the Y here in Ponte Vedra Beach. The changes that are planned here reflect the First Coast Y knowing their community’s needs. The Brown Family YMCA will be the first local Y to have outdoor pickleball courts, which shows how popular that sport is becoming. It will be ready soon. They’re also building an Airnasium to provide more space for youth sports and outdoor workouts. The wellness floor, pool and locker rooms will also be upgraded. After the renovations are complete, the Brown Family YMCA will be able to serve thousands of additional people every year.

While those equipment and physical updates are important, it’s equally as critical to recognize how the YMCA serves as a haven for the next generation. As kids, my sister, Katie and I participated in many activities at the YMCA and now her children are doing the same. The branch is located right next to Landrum Middle School and across the street from Ocean Palms Elementary School. Kids from both schools have a safe and healthy outlet they can utilize, which is so important in cultivating their development and strengthening our community. The lessons they learn in teamwork, healthy eating, and discipline are character cornerstones they’ll use throughout their lives.

Making sure these resources are available to current and future generations requires the entire community’s support through strategic planning and funding. If you’re going to invest in something, why not do it for a cause that continually invests right back into its members? I can attest from first-hand experience the benefits the Y has brought my family me. If you haven’t had a chance to visit your local branch, please do yourself a favor and check it out. It’s more than just a gym; it’s an invaluable lifeline that helps make our community what it is today.

If you’re interested in joining our family in supporting what the YMCA is doing, please contact District Executive Director Charlie Chacos at cchacos@fcymca. org.