BEAUMONT, TX -- Last week, officials at the Beaumont Metropolitan YMCA said they plan to close both of their existing facilities in Beaumont, TX, on March 1 and discontinue all programs. Officials cited a decline in memberships and inability to secure operational funding as reasons for the decision.

The Y’s board of directors also said it would cease construction on a new $4 million branch that was slated to open this spring, saying it was unable to raise capital to finish construction on the project. The organization began selling charter memberships for the new facility last November.

In January, Jeff Moore, CEO of the Beaumont Y, said the organization’s existing L.L. Melton YMCA branch had only 100 paid memberships, although the facility was designed to accommodate as many as 1,200 members. It also has a monthly operating deficit of more than $20,000. At that time, he announced plans to shorten operating hours at the Melton location and begin an “aggressive membership commitment campaign.”

Officials from the YMCA of Port Arthur are reportedly examining ways to help save important programming at the Beaumont Y, according to local media. The Beaumont Y also was said to be in talks with the city council to find solutions.

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2012 Penton Media Inc.