ANKENY, Iowa- The Ankeny YMCA is closing March 1st, 2019.
The Y's Board of Directors says the Ankeny School District's decision to end its shared use agreement with the Y was the latest in the series of events which have made it difficult to keep the facility open.
YMCA President and CEO Leisha Barcus says it was a tough decision.
“This was a very difficult decision for everyone,” Barcus said. “The Ankeny Family YMCA has served the community at its current location for 30 years. It has meant a lot to the community, and the community has meant a lot to the Y. However, over the past several years, declining membership and revenue have created a financial situation that is no longer sustainable.”
Barcus noted that the Ankeny flood of 2018 – which heavily damaged the Y facility and forced it to close for several weeks – was a major setback for a branch that was already struggling financially. When the Y reopened in August, members returned to a facility still in need of substantial repairs.
(Photo from Channel 13 WHO-TV)