Saint Leo University To Host Wellness Center Grand Opening April 8

ST. LEO, FL — Saint Leo University will host the grand opening of its newest building, the Wellness Center, at 2 p.m., Friday, April 8. The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, time capsule installation, reception and commemorative giveaways.

Nestled along a serene sloping hill and offering lakeside views, the Wellness Center is unique in the Tampa Bay area and Florida. The contemporary 59,500-square-foot building is home to a fitness floor, multipurpose gymnasium, health suite, healthy café, recreational spaces and more. It also boasts one of the largest infinity-edge pools at a university.

The Wellness Center is a physical representation of the university’s mission, serving students and the greater community in mind, body and spirit. It brings together university services in fitness, recreation, ministry, counseling and health under one roof.

"We are creating an iconic building for Pasco County, Tampa Bay and Florida," said University President Jeffrey Senese when ground was broken in 2020 for the Wellness Center. "It is our vision that this building will take your breath away."

In addition to Saint Leo students, faculty and staff, area residents will be invited to use the fitness center, café, locker rooms, pool and fitness studios. Within the fitness center, residents may use all available equipment as well as book personal training sessions.

“We anticipate offering a variety of fitness classes in the Mind, Body, Spirit Studio, Group X Studio and Cycling Studio on an ongoing basis as well,” said Kathleen Pantalone, executive director of Wellness Center Services and Events.

Saint Leo’s neighbors can take advantage of fitness classes, the recreational pool and a full complement of workout equipment including Nautilus-style machines, free weights, heavy lifting weights, high-intensity training equipment and cardio machines including rowing, treadmills, step and bikes. Members will be able to schedule classes through a mobile app which will be available for download when the facility opens. Lockers also are available to all members for daily use.

Outdoor amenities, in addition to the pool, include resort-style seating, a fire pit and a barbecue area —all with a view of Lake Jovita. Inside, the two-court basketball gym can be used for large-scale events, providing seating for more than 300 for a plated dinner or 700 for a conference or lecture-style event.

Community members may also be interested in room/facility rentals for meetings, large events or small celebrations through the Wellness Center Events Department. University officials anticipate offering facility rental space beginning this summer.

Information about rental rates, availability and associated services will be available through the Wellness Center Events Department after opening. Those interested may contact the events department at wcevents@saintleo.edu.

Saint Leo University Wellness Center memberships will be available on a monthly, annual and summer basis. Monthly rates for community members will be $65 per month or $650 a year for an individual or $95 a month or $950 a year for couples who share a residential address.

Summer memberships will be $150 per person or $350 a family (household members sharing a residential address) May 15 through Aug. 1.

Saint Leo University alumni are eligible for discounted membership rates. Individual class rates will be $15 per session. Discounted rates for classes will be available to annual members. Class packages, guest passes and personal training sessions also are available.

Additional membership information will be available shortly on the website. Individuals who would like to learn more are encouraged to contact the Wellness Center Membership Services Department at wcmembership@saintleo.edu.

The initial hours of operation for the Wellness Center will be from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

RSVPs are required. Register to attend the grand opening at www.saintleo.edu/wellness-opening.

This press release was produced by Saint Leo University. The views expressed here are the author's own.