YMCA plans to shut down an aging facility in Palo Alto, which officials said would be too expensive to renovate.
The news of closing the 35-year-old facility has sparked frustration in the community, with many up in arms over having to find a new gym.
"It's a very close-knit group of people," Emily Foley said. "You can come as you are."
The facility's 2,300 members in October will have to start using the YMCAs across town on Ross Road or the East Palo Alto location.
Members were notified that the Page Mill location will be closed for good in October because officials decided not to renew a 10-year lease. In return, the YMCA is providing members three free months at other local facilities.
"All of us feel like we've been kicked out of our second home," said Magen Gong-Jensen, who has been working out at the facility since 1980. "We want to stay here. This is our place."
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The YMCA said the place needs expensive renovations and membership is down.
Members, however, are hoping their call to action is enough to reverse the decision and keep the door open. They also said efforts to find private ownership to keep the facility open is underway.
