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Politics & Government

YMCA To Waive Fees for REC Center Members.

YMCA officials open to exploring additional services within Yorkville as city redefines recreation programs.

With the likely diminishing recreation offerings from the city parks and recreation department, Fox Valley Family YMCA officials announced this week it will waive fees for current REC Center members seeking new fitness options.

After Mayor Golinski said the potential purchase of the REC Center was unlikely due to the voters opposing the non-binding referendum in November, YMCA officials met with Parks Board members and agreed that providing community support to the residents of Yorkville was important through the upcoming transition, according to a YMCA press release.

Stephanie Wayne, operations director for the YMCA, said the waiving of membership fees begins today.

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YMCA officials said they hope the “gesture of support” will ease any transition issues of current REC Center members who will begin looking for a new facility. During a recent parks and recreation board meeting, YMCA leaders said they are “open to exploring additional services within Yorkville as is needed once the recreation department determines what they can and cannot provide.”

After a majority of residents voted down a city plan to purchase the REC Center, city officials began to move operations out of the current facility. The REC Center houses the Recreation Department administrative staff, fitness equipment and programs, a pool and several recreation classes, although some recreation programs are offered at city parks and at local schools. With a reduction in usable space, Golinski said the city will be forced to reduce winter recreation offerings.

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City Administrator Bart Olson said the city would take a “financial hit” of approximately $500,000 over the next few years due to lost REC Center revenues as well as other costs. Terminating the contract with the REC Center will cost the city about $150,000 including $50,000 for wear and tear of the building and a $100,000 out-clause in the lease, Olson said.

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