Keep the rink rolling
The Southern Branch of the YMCA located in Shrewsbury is not listening to its community in Southern York County and Northern Maryland. It has decided to shut down the roller rink in favor of expanding the fitness center and adding other new programs based on a “comprehensive” survey (rumor has it, of less than 50 people).
The rink has been in operation since the mid-1990’s and is currently used for roller hockey, roller skating, daycare, birthday parties, summer camp, youth basketball and adult morning walks . The YMCA made this decision without input from the users and stakeholders of the roller rink. As a result, local residents have put forth their desires for keeping the rink open in on an online petition with over 700 signatures and excellent comments. They also held a protest rally at the YMCA on July 21 where the petition was submitted to the YMCA for their consideration. Unfortunately, the YMCA management decided not to be there to receive it.
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The YMCA has not put any decent effort into advertising, maintaining, and running the rink adequately for quite some time. If they did, the rink programs would expand and bring in more revenue. Since the rink is the only one in the area, the YMCA has a monopoly on this valued asset to our community. To me, it makes great business sense to use it well. Despite the YMCA’s lack of effort, interest in roller hockey is growing. The adult roller hockey program has doubled its “summer-time” attendance since 2006 and continues to attract hockey players in our area.
I ask the YMCA management to please reverse this decision. For the rest of us, please call the YMCA and let them know how you feel. Let’s save the Shrewsbury roller rink!
DEAN ZAK
SHREWSBURY
"Our family" uses this rink one to three times every week. We would hate to see it go. Our son (almost 11),has been playing hockey at the Shrewsbury YMCA for over five years now. THERE ARE NO OTHER RINKS IN THIS AREA! WE DO NOT NEED MORE FIELDS & GYMS IN THIS AREA WE HAVE PLENTY!!! The YMCA has a gym and it does need some upgrading, but it's fine. We go to the YMCA as a family and that's what matters. Why can't the Y promote the roller rink to bring in more kids and families? This way every one would benefit. PLEASE KEEP THE RINK.
I have always thought that the Young Mens Christian Association would be there to serve our children and families. With this decision, the SOUTHERN BRANCH of the YMCA is FAILING TO SERVE the children and families in the Shrewsbury area. We need this rink. Please REVERSE THIS BAD DECISION!