POINT LOMA – The T. Claude and Gladys B. Ryan Family YMCA facility has announced major renovation plans for its existing 3.1-acre site in Point Loma.
The Peninsula Beacon held a Q&A with Ryan Family YMCA’s executive director, Jonathon Collopy, to discuss where the Peninsula facility has been, where it is, and where it’s going.
Beacon: Tell us about this expansion and what prompted it.
Collopy: The Ryan Family YMCA has served the Point Loma community for more than 55 years, and while our mission has stayed the same, the needs of our members and families have evolved. This expansion is about making sure we can meet those needs for generations to come with updated, accessible spaces that support positive youth development, community well-being, and belonging.
Beacon: What is the need for the expansion?
Collopy: Our current building has served us well for decades, but we’ve outgrown the space. The infrastructure is aging, and the demand for programs like childcare, swim lessons, and senior wellness with our active adult population continues to grow. We want to create a campus that reflects the vibrancy of our coastal community, one that allows for better social connections and reaches even more people in our community.
Beacon: What is the scale of the project?
Collopy: While we’re still early in the planning stages, the vision is to re-imagine the YMCA experience on our existing 3.1-acre campus. This is more than a renovation, it’s a vision for transformation. The new facility will allow us to serve more families, improve accessibility, and expand everything from early childhood programs to health and wellness services.
Beacon: How long will the expansion take to complete?
Collopy: We anticipate the project could take approximately 2 ½ years once we break ground. That timeline allows for design, permitting, and construction, with minimal disruption to ongoing programs and services.
Beacon: How will the expansion be paid for?
Collopy: The YMCA will pursue a combination of community support, philanthropic gifts, and strategic partnerships. We’ve already begun preliminary conversations with longtime allies and potential new partners who share our vision for a healthier, more connected Point Loma.
Beacon: Tell us about developments since the Peninsula Y changed its name.
Collopy: The Ryan Family has been with our Y since we were founded in 1970, with Jerome Ryan serving as a charter member. The “T Claude and Gladys B Ryan Y” is an acknowledgment of the profound impact that the Ryan family has had in serving San Diego since early in the 19th century with Ryan Air and Ryan Aeronautics (building the Spirit of St Louis). This service to the community continues to this day with the support of many, many organizations throughout San Diego and on the Point.
When we became the Ryan Family YMCA, it was about more than a name — it was a reaffirmation of our commitment to serve the people in this community with heart and purpose. Since then, we’ve expanded programs for youth and seniors, opened Rady Children’s Field in partnership with the San Diego Seals, and deepened our partnerships with schools, neighborhood organizations, and community groups.
Beacon: Is this part of a longer-range plan to upgrade the Y’s facilities?
Collopy: Absolutely. Across the YMCA of San Diego County, we’re looking at how to modernize and sustain our branches to better serve today’s families. This expansion is about future-proofing our mission, ensuring that no matter what challenges come, the Y will always be a place of safety, connection, and growth.
Beacon: What is Ryan Y’s membership? Has it been growing since the end of COVID?
Collopy: Yes, we’ve seen consistent growth since reopening. Today, our membership total of more than 5,500 individuals is our largest ever, and we continue to welcome more, particularly families with young children and older adults looking for connection and wellness opportunities. People desire community, and they’re finding that at the Y.
Beacon: What role does the YMCA play in the larger Peninsula community?
Collopy: The YMCA is a lifeline for so many in our neighborhood. We provide essential programs — from swim safety to food distribution — and we’re often the first place families turn to when they need support. Whether it’s a parent seeking childcare, a senior looking for connection, or a teen learning leadership skills, the Y is where people come together to grow stronger individually and as a community.
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