New YMCA Family Center and Broward Health ER Break Ground in Fort Lauderdale

The first-of-its-kind facility aims to strengthen emergency care access and community resources.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:52pm

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A vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration featuring repeating icons of a swimming pool, basketball hoop, and emergency room sign, conveying the diverse facilities and services that will be available at the new YMCA and Broward Health complex.The new YMCA and Broward Health facility will bring a range of community resources and emergency care to an underserved area of Fort Lauderdale.Fort Lauderdale Today

Construction has begun on a new YMCA Family Center and Broward Health Free Standing Emergency Room in Fort Lauderdale's Holiday Park. The state-of-the-art facility will include a six-lane pool, indoor basketball court, and expanded emergency care services for Broward County residents.

Why it matters

This project represents a unique partnership between the YMCA and Broward Health to bring vital community resources and emergency medical services to an underserved area of Fort Lauderdale. The new facility is expected to positively impact the lives of nearly 15,000 local families.

The details

Dozens of construction vehicles lined up to pour the first concrete, marking the official start of the project at 707 NE Eighth Street. The facility will feature a six-lane pool, indoor basketball court, and a Broward Health free-standing emergency room, a first-of-its-kind combination in the country.

  • Construction began on April 15, 2026.
  • The project is set to be completed in the fall of 2027.

The players

YMCA of South Florida

A nonprofit organization that provides community programs and services focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Broward Health

A nonprofit health care system that operates medical centers, physician practices, and health care services in Broward County, Florida.

Sheryl Woods

The President and CEO of YMCA of South Florida.

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What they’re saying

“We're bringing resources to this community, we're bringing programs and services that have just really been left out for this particular section of the community, so now it's going to be absolutely the destination. This is our Central Park right here in Fort Lauderdale.”

— Sheryl Woods, President and CEO, YMCA of South Florida

What’s next

The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027, at which point the new YMCA Family Center and Broward Health ER will open to the public.

The takeaway

This innovative partnership between the YMCA and Broward Health represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of the Fort Lauderdale community, providing both expanded emergency medical services and valuable community resources under one roof.