As a part of the YMCA of San Diego County’s strategic vision, the Pacific Beach chapter is hoping to enhance its presence in the beach community with a new manager and a more compelling vision.
“While the ultimate scope and scale of the new YMCA will be determined by the amount of funds secured, our current vision for a full YMCA facility will create a modern, vibrant gathering hub for all, providing wellness and recreation for Y members and the local community – and this does include a pool,” said Mike Roberts, executive manager of the Beach and Bay Family YMCA. “Our vision is to expand the YMCA’s presence in San Diego’s beach and bay communities by building a state-of-the-art YMCA fitness center in Pacific Beach in partnership with the San Diego Unified School District. This new facility, located on the Pacific Beach Middle School campus, will partner with teachers, staff and families to provide year-round care for local youth,” Roberts said.
Noting fundraising efforts to help build this new YMCA facility are still ongoing, Roberts added, “We currently offer a selection of programs for families to participate in and help strengthen their spirit, body and mind.”
The capital fundraising campaign is anticipated to last approximately two years.
The YMCA already has a presence in Pacific Beach with summer day camps, programming and childcare, which are currently accepting registrations.
Courtney Pendleton, from YMCA’s public relations and communications, said, “The main ‘new’ pieces and items our team could further elaborate on at this time remain programs we are offering to the community now, ahead of the facility coming together.”
Additionally, plans for a new swimming pool, wellness center, and multi-purpose space in the new YMCA facility now under construction is meant to benefit the entire community.
Roberts has worked for the YMCA both in the United States and abroad for more than 20 years. His YMCA career has spanned from Ann Arbor, Mich. to Zimbabwe in Africa, and many cities in between.
Most recently, Roberts served as the executive director of the Petersburg Family YMCA in Virginia, an economically and socially depressed city ranking at the bottom of the country’s health rankings. He helped the Petersburg YMCA blossom into a health and wellness hub in its community, and led a successful $4.5 million capital campaign to expand the facility, and enable it to serve more children and families. He has also provided strong leadership for the Y in roles including youth program development, fundraising, branch development and more.
For more information, visit www.ymca.org to find your local YMCA or call 858-292-YMCA (9622).