Branch News
The Y Will Consolidate Marquette Branch Into Downtown Y
Thank you for being part of the Downtown-Marquette YMCA Family! We hope your involvement in Y programming has helped you grow in spirit, mind and body - and to lead a healthier lifestyle.
The Marquette Y, located in the heart of the downtown business district, was established in 1987 to meet the “then” fitness needs of the central business district. Today, we see a changed downtown landscape that has challenged our ability to operate Marquette economically. Many companies have their own health and wellness departments and work with third-party wellness companies; and many buildings have their own workout facilities. In addition, in 2005 we closed Marquette for renovation to better serve the needs of our members. Unfortunately, 40 percent of Marquette’s membership base did not return upon reopening.
The YMCA of Greater St. Louis will consolidate its Marquette Y satellite branch on North Broadway into the Downtown Y branch on Locust Street, effective May 31, 2012. The two locations, situated only 10 blocks apart, operate as one branch with Marquette members allowed reciprocal membership access to both facilities.
The approximately 400 Marquette-based members will have access to all the Y programs and services offered a few blocks away at the Downtown Y. The Downtown Y serves approximately 900 members and will be able to accommodate the Marquette membership base without interruption to the quality programs and services members have come to expect.
“Consolidating our Marquette location into our Downtown branch will allow us to better serve all our members and program participants within the downtown service area,” said Dona Sherwood, Vice President of Operations for the YMCA of Greater St. Louis’ city district. “This will enhance the member experience as we take the best of the resources from the Marquette Y and adding those to the Downtown Y.
“We have strong and loyal members at the Marquette branch, and we are grateful for their ongoing support,” reiterated Sherwood. “Consolidating these two operations makes financial sense but also will allow us to more efficiently and effectively serve our members and program participants.”
We know you have many choices in St. Louis to meet your health and wellness needs. Please know the board and staff sees it as a privilege that you have chosen Marquette as your home Y. We hope you will stay with us as we change and grow in the downtown area. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of you and your family’s life and for being a member of the YMCA of Greater St. Louis.
Each month, the Downtown-Marquette YMCA sends out e-newsletters with all the latest information about what's going on at the Y, as well as important notices regarding our classes and facilities. If you would like to be added to our email list, click here.
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