YMCA Moving Exercise Facilities Out of Springfield

As of July, patrons of will need to find a new place to sweat.

The Summit Area YMCA announced today that the non-profit organization is moving its adult exercise facilities out of the Chisholm Community Center. The Y will continue to offer childcare services and other youth programs at the Springfield branch.

Since 1998, the YMCA has leased space inside the township-owned Chisholm Community Center. For the past 16 months, the YMCA and the township have been . The Y had been paying $12,000 a month for their use of the space.

“Over the last sixteen months, the Summit Area YMCA has been in discussion with the Township of Springfield on the renewal of its lease for our Springfield YMCA,” Andrew Bobbitt, Springfield YMCA Chief Operating Officer said in a release. “After a review of community needs and increasing competition in the Township, along with an extensive evaluation of our local capabilities, we have determined that we will no longer be offering Adult Wellness and Youth Enrichment programs at this location.”

Bobbit said that Springfield YMCA memberships will be transferred to the Summit YMCA on July 1, but that Springfield members can use the Summit YMCA and its two pools starting today. The , located at 67 Maple Street in Summit, will hold an open house for Springfield members on Thursday, March 24, between 9 and 11 a.m. and 7 and 9 p.m.

The Springfield YMCA will continue its Child Care program at the Chisholm Community Center. The Y will begin accepting enrollment on April 1 for the 2011‐2012 school year. The Y also plans to continue its free seventh Grade Initiative program.

Beth Baxley
Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Summit Area YMCA told Patch that the Y’s decision was based in part on the competition faced by the Springfield YMCA location as an exercise facility. She noted that there are a number of gyms in the area and that the “Summit Branch is two miles up the road.”

She said that the Child Care program had high enrollment and positive feedback from parents.

“That’s what we felt was needed in Springfield now,” Baxter said.

Springfield YMCA staff, Baster said, could apply for open positions at the Summit branch.

“We are very sorry that we are unable to continue providing these YMCA services directly in Springfield but have found with economic and competitive pressures that adjustments in our services needed to be made,” Bobbit said.