The landscape of community wellness in Pensacola has been dramatically enhanced with the arrival of the Bear Levin Studer Family Ymca. Opening its doors on Monday, November 7, 2016, at 5 a.m., this brand-new, $16 million facility marks a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering an unparalleled experience for individuals and families seeking comprehensive health and recreational opportunities. This new Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA is not just a replacement; it’s a transformation, setting a new standard for YMCA facilities in the region.
Stepping into the lobby of the Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA, located at 165 E. Intendencia St., it’s immediately apparent that this is a facility designed for the modern community. Spanning approximately 52,000 square feet across two floors, it dwarfs the former 33,000-square-foot, 65-year-old building at 410 N. Palafox St. The sheer increase in space is just the beginning of the improvements.
Comparison of the old YMCA building on Palafox St and the new Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA in downtown Pensacola, highlighting the improvements in facilities and space.
Explore the Premier Facilities at Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA
The Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA is thoughtfully divided across two floors to maximize member experience and cater to a wide range of interests.
First Floor: Aquatic Fun and Family Focus
The ground floor is home to the impressive aquatic center, the heart of recreational and fitness swimming. Here, you will find not one, but two pools. The recreation pool, designed with families in mind, features a shallow area and a wheelchair-accessible ramp, ensuring inclusivity for all. A highlight for the young and young at heart is the exhilarating tube slide that begins on the second floor and spirals down into the refreshing water. Adjacent to the recreation pool is the lap pool, a 25-meter, four-lane expanse perfect for serious swimmers and aquatic fitness classes. Having separate pools allows for simultaneous recreational and fitness activities, enhancing the experience for everyone.
Beyond the aquatic center, the first floor also hosts multipurpose rooms and a demo kitchen. Two dedicated rooms cater to varied class needs; one offers a tranquil environment for yoga and Pilates, while the other is equipped for high-energy workouts like kickboxing and Bootcamp. The demo kitchen, a collaboration with YMCA and Baptist Health Care, will host nutrition education programs, emphasizing healthy living. Larger locker rooms with individual showering areas, a significant upgrade from the previous group showers, and the secure KidZone complete the first floor amenities. The KidZone, equipped with a digital check-in system and text alerts for parents, provides childcare for children aged six months to 12 years, making family fitness easier than ever.
Second Floor: Fitness and Rehabilitation Excellence
Ascending to the second floor of the Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA, you enter a realm dedicated to fitness and rehabilitation. The expansive 7,500-square-foot fitness and weight room center is equipped with an array of state-of-the-art machines, many featuring personal television screens. Flat-screen TVs adorn the walls, and the space is filled with a comprehensive mix of both machine and free weights. In total, the new YMCA boasts a 32 percent increase in equipment compared to the old location. A separate spinning studio provides a dedicated space for cycling enthusiasts. The gymnasium offers ample space for basketball and volleyball, fostering team sports and community engagement. Rounding out the second floor is the Andrews Institute Rehabilitation center, offering outpatient rehabilitation and occupational therapy services in partnership with Baptist Health Care, creating a holistic wellness destination.
Membership and Community Impact
Membership at the Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA provides access to a network of wellness across the region. Regional memberships include all YMCA of Northwest Florida branches, as well as locations in Alabama and Mississippi. Monthly rates are structured to be accessible to various demographics: Individual memberships are $42, Young Adult (ages 13-24) are $27, Seniors (65+) are $35.50, and Household memberships (two adults and dependents) are $67.50. KidZone access is included in household memberships and available for individual members for an additional $8 per month.
Michael Bodenhausen, CEO of YMCA of Northwest Florida, emphasizes the enhanced community resource the new Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA represents. With increased usable space and a more efficient layout, the new facility allows for more classes, expanded prevention programs, nutrition education, and Special Olympics programs. The Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA is more than just a building; it is, as Bodenhausen states, “a sharper tool” to better the community and quality of life in Pensacola, promising a brighter, healthier future for all.
