Lakewood Ranch YMCA is 'more than a gym'

The YMCA of Southwest Florida thoroughly believes in its slogan, “We’re more than a gym.” 

At the Lakewood Ranch YMCA, members can learn Spanish, take an art class, or play bridge, too. 

At 6 weeks old, babies can be dropped off in the Kids Zone while their parents work out. 

One of the newer programs at the Lakewood Ranch YMCA is Little Scholars, a drop-off preschool program.

“We just keep growing and expanding,” Executive Director Jen Haughey said. “If there’s a need, we’re going to make it happen.” 

That includes helping those who have financial hardships. 

Associate Executive Director Rhiannon Blaney noted that memberships pay to keep the lights on and cover payroll, but fundraising covers scholarships for dues and summer camps for those in need.

The YMCA is continually seeking Cause Champions, who are community leaders and private partners who help cover programming and scholarship expenses. 

If the scholarship fund is depleted, Blaney said the staff will find a way to make it work for that individual or family, even if that means pulling from the operating expenses.

Both Haughey and Blaney met their husbands and raised their children at the YMCA, so they have a love for their workplace that extends beyond the pay. 

“It’s our second home, sometimes our first,” Haughey said. “It’s a way of life. We all just live The Y and love the people we serve.”

Photo by Lesley Dwyer

Blaney used the recent Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 18 as an example. 

“My daughter had a trunk and was handing out goodies. My husband and two younger boys were in the haunted house scaring people, and my oldest son showed up after a travel tournament where he was working for The Y,” Blaney said. “We were here until 10 o’clock at night, but we were all together and having fun. What other place can you go to work and have your kids running around and be happy?” 

That sort of personal investment leads to a vast array of programming and services because Haughey and Blaney want everyone to love the YMCA as much as they do.

When several Lakewood Ranch high school students were trying to do their homework in the lobby after school, the staff reconfigured a few things to create a quiet, teen-only space for them. 

When Spanish classes were first introduced, they were designed for kids and early teens. But the classes ended up being packed with senior adults. 

Once staff realized they had an older crowd, too, they created a second Spanish class especially for those adults. The class focuses on learning Spanish to travel. 

Of course, the gym stays busy, too, even for adults. The Lakewood Ranch YMCA offers an adult basketball league, along with its other programs. 

“That’s been fun to watch,” Haughey said. “The kids that we see in our recreation programs, you’ll see them come to games to cheer on their parents.” 

Photo by Lesley Dwyer

The focus for the youth rec leagues was traditionally placed on basketball and soccer, but the volleyball program has “exploded” lately. Haughey noted that boys and girls are playing, but it’s become especially popular with the girls. 

It’s a newer program that was introduced when Haughey’s daughter, Olivia Haughey, became the branch’s sports director in 2023. She played volleyball in school. 

That’s all it takes to introduce something new — an expert in the field. 

“We’d love to introduce lacrosse,” Blaney said. “What stopped us is nobody knows how to play lacrosse, so it’s a matter of finding those people with special abilities. If you have a skill, come talk to us.” 

Of course, the YMCA also has extensive pool programming that includes swim lessons, a swim team, water exercise programs, lifeguard certifications, and water safety programs.

Besides the aforementioned programs, residents might want to stop to check out Lakewood Ranch's Wellness Center, which was revamped last month with new equipment.

The spin bikes and cardio equipment were replaced, and a turfed functional fitness area, which focuses on strength and mobility for daily movement, was added.