The YMCA of Greater San Antonio, in collaboration with The DoSeum, proudly revealed Phase 1 of its new immersive children’s environment during a community event held today at the Mays Family YMCA at Potranco.
Slated for completion in the Fall of 2025, this dynamic space is designed to inspire creativity, movement, STEM exploration, and mental well-being through child-led, hands-on learning. 🧩
“Today, we are incredibly proud to share a bold and exciting step forward in how the YMCA serves children and families in our community,” said Louis Lopez, President & CEO of the YMCA. “This vision is made possible through a unique and powerful partnership with our friends at the DoSeum, San Antonio’s leading voice in childhood learning and imagination. Together, we’ve imagined a space that invites children to build, explore, and grow through hands-on, curiosity-driven experiences.” 🎨
The new space — supported by Community First Health Plans and the MAYS FAMILY FOUNDATION — features zones for creative mindfulness, physical activity, and STEM creation. It reflects the YMCA’s ongoing commitment to whole-child development and inclusive, community-driven programming. ✨
“Play is a vital part of healthy child development — it supports coordination, balance, strength, and overall well-being,” said Theresa Rodriguez Scepanski, President & CEO of Community First Health Plans. “This partnership is just one way we’re supporting the future of San Antonio’s children, ensuring they have access to the resources they need to grow into healthy, happy individuals.”
Meredith Doby, Chief Creative Officer of The DoSeum, spoke at the event about the design process and collaboration: “It’s so fun to see the kids playing with everything. We’ve been working with the Y for about a year now, holding workshops with staff, family members, and kids. Some of their drawings are on display today — they truly informed our ideas and helped shape what we created. We even tested our interactives with them. Our testers are here with us today and helped fine-tune the DJ station to ensure it met their needs.” 🎶
Doby continued: “We worked with the Y to create a space that meets older children where they are. It has distinct areas for creative mindfulness and STEM creation. We want children to leave the Y saying, ‘I come here to do me.’ This is their space — where they can leave their mark and feel seen. In the next phase, you’ll see a climber, slide, and weaving walls — and we’re excited to continue this partnership dedicated to joyful learning.” 🔆
Brad McDonald, the YMCA's Chief Volunteer Officer, closed the event by emphasizing the milestone: “We’re celebrating our 150th anniversary next year, and this is really exciting for us. We hope the community will enjoy this new addition to the facility.”
This new immersive environment is a testament to the YMCA’s legacy of innovation and its commitment to building brighter futures for San Antonio’s children. 👦 👧