The YMCA of Michiana (IN) has acquired the former Pinnacle Athletic Club in Mishawaka, IN, for an undisclosed sum, and the YMCA Buffalo Niagara has sold the building that its Niagara Falls Family Branch operated out of, but officials say it will continue to provide services other than fitness services to Niagara Falls, NY, at satellite locations.
Officials at the YMCA of Michiana say they will transform the Pinnacle Athletic Club into the second location for the Y, which officials have been seeking for eight years, according to an article in the South Bend Tribune.
"About two-thirds of the adults in our county are overweight or obese, and our youth lack adequate options for safe, active play," Dan Asleson, CEO of the YMCA of Michiana, tells Club Industry. "This second location allows us to serve more of our community through programs focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility."
With the donor-funded acquisition of Pinnacle, the Y members will have access to a two-story gym with a whirlpool, sauna, showers, exercise and weight rooms, and handball, basketball and racquetball courts. Asleson says the new location is about five miles from the existing facility. The Pinnacle location has the same amenities as the existing location, but at the new facility, the Y will add dedicated youth space as well as accessibility upgrades. Asleson says the Y plans to open the second location this fall.
"We've got a lot of work yet to do in order for this to be a YMCA," he says. "While still needing some major renovations, the building has many of the amenities that we were looking for (gym, locker rooms, cardio space, etc.) in a location that allows us to serve a broader part of our community. Key community leaders shared our vision and stepped forward to provide the donations needed to purchase the building. This new location is at the intersection of community need and donor interest."
When the second location opens, members will be able to use both facilities with no increase in membership fees. Also, as with its existing location, scholarships will be available, and no one will be turned away due to inability to pay.
"Our members are responding very favorably, as are potential new members who are now within easy travel distance to our new location," he says.
In New York, the YMCA Buffalo Niagara has sold its Niagara Falls Family Y building to the Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission, which will take over operation of the building at the end of May. Community members had lobbied to keep the building operating as a recreation center for children and senior citizens.
"Since 2005, between capital investment and operating losses, YMCA Buffalo Niagara has invested more than $3 million in the Niagara Falls Branch," says Eric Larson, district executive director of the YMCA Buffalo Niagara. "Recent annual operating losses have exceeded $400,000 which are not sustainable."
The Y will continue to provide programs and services at satellite locations, including the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Lewiston Porter Primary School and Cataract Elementary School. However, Larson says that fitness services won't be provided at these locations, although wellness connection classes will be offered at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.
