The Plant City Family YMCA recently installed a new playground for its members. “Youth Development is one of pillars of the YMCA and it is important that we continuously add and update our existing programs and services for the children and families of Plant City,” said the Plant City Family YMCA District Executive Director, Paul Conley. “The prior playground was aging, and it was time to modernize and update the structure.”
The Plant City YMCA was able to purchase and install the new playground from funds raised during a recent capital campaign. “There was not a sponsor, each year we look to invest $250K plus in capital expenditures to update and enhance our facility, sadly most of the money goes towards areas that members do not even see as they are on the roof or in the ground but this year we were excited to replace the playground,” Conley said.
Conley and his staff at the YMCA understand the benefits of play for children.
According to a recent report done by National Public Radio (NPR), “Play is essential for healthy brain development. In order to grow and develop healthy connections, our brains need plenty of something called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. Play reduces obesity and associated diseases. Play helps children manage stress and even recover from trauma. Play helps families bond and it contributes to academic skills.”
In addition to the new playground, The Plant City Family YMCA also has a wellness floor with new equipment, large field for outdoor conditioning and youth sports and a swimming pool with a splash pad. “The Plant City community enjoys popular programs like summer camp, soccer and small group personal training,” Conley said. “Our new playground has had plenty of eager kids ready to play on it.”
If you’d like to learn more about the programs and classes offered at the Plant City Family YMCA, you can visit their website at www.tampaymca.org/locations/plant-city-family-ymca or call 813-757-6677. The YMCA is located at 1507 YMCA Pl.