The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Family YMCA branch to close
Babbitt Road facility to shut its doors May 11
During a town hall meeting at Euclid Family YMCA, one of three held April 4, Timothy Hilk, YMCA of Greater Cleveland president and CEO, announced the upcoming closing of the branch, much to the dismay of attendees.
The decision, which many Y members and residents called “abrupt” and “disrespectful,” brings an end to the 62-year-old cultural institution, located at 631 Babbitt Road.
The Euclid Family YMCA will close effective May 11.
“We have been honored to serve the Euclid community, overall, since 1949, and in our current location since 1957,” Hilk said. “And we, too, are disappointed. We’ve tried to be straightforward in terms of this message — we just simply can’t afford to run this branch any longer. From an economic perspective, the
Euclid YMCA as an operating unit has had a significant loss to the amount of about $200,000 annually and nearly $1.5 million over the last seven years.
“So, yes, it is an economic decision. However, the YMCA, my board of directors, as well as me as the CEO of this organization, are responsible for striving to deliver quality programs and safe programs in a sustainable way. When one of those legs starts to falter, the other two start to come down.”
With other communities running YMCAs at a surplus, Euclid was able to remain open, thanks to financial help from the other branches, Hilk said.
But that financial assistance could not continue indefinitely.
“And that’s the economic reality. It’s gotten too tough on the other communities. It’s not that those communities are favored over Euclid; it’s just the totality of the entire conversation. Believe it or not, membership has declined. Typically, a YMCA is supported by 1,800 to 2,000 families, and we’ve got about 600 family units here at the Euclid Y. That’s actually led to the revenue problem.
“We recognize this decision may not be popular, but it is necessary,” Hilk said. “The reality is that the current facility has outlived its life span. The building has taken a significant financial toll on the organization. There are significant issues with the ADA compliance and nearly $1 million worth of deferred maintenance needed to restore the building’s usability long-term. Unfortunately, under these conditions, we can no longer continue to serve the community (in this facility at an operating loss).”
The Lake County YMCA West End (Willoughby) branch, a separate entity, is working with YMCA of
“None of this is satisfactory. How can they just up and close without reaching out to the community? So many people donate their time here. We’re all shocked . ... ” — Carolyn Hill, a Euclid resident and seven-year member
Greater Cleveland in transferring memberships as well as the Hillcrest Family YMCA branch on Mayfield Road in Lyndhurst.
Two hundred-plus families living in Euclid are currently members of the Willoughby YMCA.
In the interests of a seamless transition, all current Euclid Family YMCA memberships will automatically transition to the Hillcrest Family YMCA starting May 12. Members also may choose to transfer to any other branch of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland or cancel.
All current Euclid branch members choosing to continue their memberships at any YMCA of Greater Cleveland location will receive one free month of membership. Additional information about membership options will become available through YMCA of Greater Cleveland staff.
“We also value the work and dedication of each of our Euclid Family YMCA staff members, and, as such, we will make every attempt to make sure that no one loses his or her job in this transition process,” Hilk said. “And I have met personally with key community stakeholders as part of the transition, including the mayor of Euclid, the Euclid City Schools and state Rep. Kent Smith (D-Euclid).
“We want to reassure everyone that we are not abandoning the Euclid community. We will continue to provide already established programming at the Euclid Senior Center.
“Additionally, we are working with local community leaders to explore other ways we can provide services to the members of the Euclid community. We are redefining how we serve the Euclid area and are attempting to match our resources and services to better meet the needs of the community.”
Plans for the building and land, comprising about 5 acres, are not yet definitive, though YMCA of Greater Cleveland will work with the city, with any assets from a potential sale used to support programs at other facilities in Euclid. If no capital project is undertaken, an endowment would be set up where the interest would be invested in the community.
Despite the prospect of the Euclid Family YMCA still providing services to the community in other ways, many members found the news about the closing lamentable.
“This is just heartbreaking, it really is,” said Carolyn Hill, a seven-year member who’s lived in Euclid for over 10 years. “None of this is satisfactory. How can they just up and close without reaching out to the community? So many people donate their time here. We’re all shocked. This decision was made without reaching out to the members. This makes my heart heavy.”
Hilk, at the end of the meeting, expressed understanding, and gratitude, to all, adding that the membership’s loyalty and participation is appreciated.
“We will continue to engage and look forward to serving the Euclid community, even if it’s not in a specifically branded Y facility or building,” he said. “Possibilities do exist and we want to try to see what will work. We’re all eager to listen to members and answer any questions. We all have to work together in this tough time.”