The kids are out of school — and full of energy. Good thing we know where they can get some of it out of their systems. The YMCA at Wildlight has programs and services for everyone to participate in.
Summer Camps
One of the most popular is the camps for kids ages 5–12. The YMCA has a wide range, including half-day specialty camps and full-day options — all offering the opportunity to learn new skills, find new hobbies and make new friends. The Y also offers swim lessons and swim tests for kids and adults alike. Active duty military? The Wildlight Y has a camp for kids of active-duty members through their Operation Hero program.
Sports Programs
The YMCA fun goes beyond camps. The Y has youth sports programs to get the kids moving, with youth basketball at the McArthur Family YMCA, and flag football and soccer at the YMCA at Wildlight. These leagues are another great way for kids to build camaraderie with their peers and develop friendships that will last beyond even the summer. (And the games are fun to watch, too!) And teens don’t need to feel left out of the fun. There are awesome opportunities to be camp counselors. (Just ask Autumn Franks.)
Fun for All Ages
The YMCA at Wildlight also has opportunities for the entire family to get out of the house, like the Families Unplugged series. It’s a chance to unplug and connect outside the house, without technology. (Kids not on phones … remember what that’s like?) And if you want to have a date night, Parent’s Night Out lets you go out together, and know that the kids are safe and staying occupied, having fun with games and arts & crafts.
It’s going to be a busy summer, and thanks to the Y, boredom won’t be a thing. Interested in becoming a member or learning more about the programs and services they offer? Stop by the Wildlight Y in person (it’s right in the community!), or visit online at fcymca.org.
The Horizon Club at Del Webb Wildlight is now open. And it has everything residents of the 55+ neighborhood could want to make their days feel more delightful. In fact, you could say that Horizon Club is where relaxation meets activation — and this 16,000-square-foot space has room for it all. (Even dogs get their very own park.)
Here, you can start your day with yoga on the event lawn, or soak in the sun by the resort-style pool. (Want to get a few laps in? There are lanes for that, too.) For the fitness-minded, a fully equipped workout center features top-of-the-line machines, weights and equipment. And outside, pickleball and tennis courts serve up fun for beginners and more seasoned players alike. Green thumbs (or those striving to be) can hone their skills in the community garden. And an arts & crafts room provides an outlet for creativity — whether your passion is painting or pottery.
Consider yourself a social type? There are plenty of spaces to gather as well — like an event ballroom for bigger get-togethers and an outdoor firepit for impromptu happy hours. Speaking of happy hours … the onsite bar and grill just might become your new favorite hangout (if, of course, you don’t want to head to Wildlight’s Village Center for a burger, tacos or sushi).
With all this space to play, relax and meet new friends and neighbors, don’t be surprised if spending time at Horizon Club feels like a little vacation — there’s even plenty of golf cart parking.
Homes in Del Webb Wildlight start in the $300s. Located conveniently between Amelia Island and Jacksonville, the architecture captures the charm of the Florida Lowcountry. Del Webb model homes are open daily.
Wildlight’s newest neighborhood, Hawthorn Park, doesn’t have a pond. It has three. But that’s not the only nature you’ll find here. This enclave by Pulte Homes backs to a preserve and has trail connections right outside your front door. And if you want to stroll to sushi or the hair salon, or bike to a craft beer at Mocama, you can do just that, because those trails will lead you to the Village Center.
Want to experience even more of the great outdoors? Whistling Duck Pond will be opening nearby soon (hint: start looking for a kayak or canoe). And Four O’clock Park, Coin Toss Park and Waterbug Park offer even more ways to spend your days — from sports courts and an event lawn to bocce ball and a playful pool. Even the furry family members of the four-legged kind have their own opportunity to expend some energy, at their very own off-leash area. If you’re thinking that sounds like a pretty perfect place to live, well, you’re absolutely right.
New homes … and a new kind of home
Hawthorn Park has two kinds of single-family homes by Pulte Homes. New-to-Wildight bungalows, with front porches and alley-load garages (many with homesites facing the pond). And the Village Homes, with thoughtful features like family-friendly gathering spaces and oversized kitchens. Whatever stage in life you’re at, or whichever floorplan you prefer, you’ll find the home that suits you best in this exciting new neighborhood.
Ready to find your new home at Hawthorn Park? Prices start in the $300s.
March 9th was a big day. As in big fun. A big run. And a big donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County.
Let’s start at … well, the starting line. Where over 923 runners participated in our second annual Run Wild 5K, new 10K and Family Fun Run. The course took place on the trailways and through the neighborhoods of Wildlight, where mile paces were met and personal records were set. And spectators had a great time lining the streets and cheering on friends, family — and complete strangers, too.
Across the finish line (where runners 21+ were greeted by a finisher beer from Mocama Beer Company), there was a lot more fun waiting. Like food trucks with crepes and refreshing Italian ice. A local vendor marketplace. A kids’ zone with rock wall, face painting, balloon animals and more. Massages for the runners. And live music by The Band Be Easy for a little post-run dancing.
A big shout-out to everyone who participated — and helped Wildlight raise $3,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County. The volunteers who made everything run (pun intended) seamlessly. And our top men’s and women’s finishers: Eden Kendall (24:24) and Cayden Driggers (19:29) in the 5K and Marin Bograd (45:00) and Zach Wrobel (40:43) in the 10K. (Check out the full list of participants and finish times here.)
We’ve included some of our favorite pics from the day. But if you want to see more (or see what you missed), you can find more photos here and a video here.
After two years of successful races, we’d say we’re sufficiently warmed up for another Run Wild next year. Stay tuned!
The benefits of living in Nassau County
Living in Nassau County has countless benefits. And call us biased, but Wildlight is one of them. Beyond the variety of homes to fit every kind of family, we’re also proud to have a top-rated school right in the community. Read on to see why our part of Northeast Florida just might be the right move for you.
A lower cost of living
When you look at the price of a home in Nassau County vs. neighboring St. Johns County, the numbers are a welcome change. According to The Jacksonville Business Journal, the median price in Nassau County is $458K compared to St. Johns’ $510K. Meaning you can either get the same size home for less money—or get more bang for your buck. And because much of the land here is still being developed, your options for variety when searching for a new home are greater, too. (You can start your home search at Wildlight right here.)
Beaches, jobs and a small-town feel
Nassau County has been gaining popularity because it puts you close to beaches. Close to employment centers. Near the airport and activity of Jacksonville. But with a noticeably less crowded feel than some of the surrounding areas. In fact, at the end of 2023, the population of Nassau County was 102,000—about a third of St. Johns’ 327,000 residents. In other words, a little breathing room.
A great education at Wildlight
Students who live in our community get to learn in one of the best school districts in the state. The Nassau County School District is ranked #2 out of 67, thanks to high graduation rates, impressive test scores and consistent “A” ratings. Combine that with a low 16:1 average student-teacher ratio, a diverse variety of sports and extracurriculars, academically rigorous courses and a focus on incorporating the latest technology in classrooms, and you can see why kids here are set up to succeed. And if you have a child in elementary school, you’ll be happy to know that U.S. News & World Report just ranked our very own Wildlight Elementary 4th out of all the public elementary schools in Northeast Florida. Which means your kids can not only learn at one of the best schools in the area … they can walk there, too.
Interested in living in Northeast Florida? Find your new home at Wildlight from the $500s. Find your home.
Under beautiful blue skies and warm temperatures on Feb. 1, more than 50 people joined Pattillo Industrial Real Estate and the Nassau County Economic Development Board for the official announcement of the opening the Wildlight Commerce Park located at Wildworks Avenue and SR 200.
Read the full article on News-Leader here.
The next 30 years of development in Wildlight were recommended for approval by the Nassau County Planning and Zoning (P&Z) board.