Yuma Family YMCA will close its doors in August

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The end of an era for a staple in our community as the Yuma Family YMCA announces it is closing its doors. 

After 23 years of service to the Yuma community, the YMCA announced it will shut down in August. 

According to JT Turner, Public Relations Director for the Valley of Sun YMCA, he said, “These decisions are never easy, and nor were these decisions made lightly."

After not being able to recover after the pandemic and a lack of memberships, the Yuma Family YMCA is shutting its doors.

“We’ve been an integral part of the community for 23 years and our hope was to continue to do so for as long as possible. Unfortunately, it was a long, rough journey through COVID and we just didn’t see ourselves bounce back as we had hoped," said Turner.

Turner said 29 employees will be affected by the closure. 

Longtime YMCA member, Johnny Pignotti Jr. is devastated by the closure as he comes to this location religiously.

“It’s kind of nostalgic it’s always been a staple in town. Something that you think of, the first thing I think of when I go cause I always work out, swim or something and I always have fun at the 'Y'," said Pignotti.

The YMCA will offer complimentary memberships until they close on August 11.