YMCA Takes Heat For Changes At East El Paso Location

For more than 20 years, Bob Collins has been a member at the Fred and Maria Loya YMCA Family Center in east El Paso, and an everyday racquetball player.

That could all change soon after an announcement made by the YMCA’s Board of Directors.

In mid-April, officials said three of the five racquetball courts were going to be demolished.

“The players here at the Loya YMCA are in an uproar and I don’t blame them, I am one of them,” said Collins.

Collins shares the courts with about a hundred members. He said if the courts are torn down, they will not have enough space for tournaments or lessons.

During the April meeting when the announcement was made, Collins said not a single one of the members in attendance were allowed to give their input.

Kevin Pearson, the president and CEO of the YMCA of El Paso said the changes are because of the center’s growing pains.

“There has been limited dialogue with the racquetball players because their position is quite simple, they want five courts,” said Pearson. But the board has already made a decision.

Pearson said it’s up to them to live up to the center’s mission.

“Our purpose in the community is to serve children and families and we’ve reached a capacity with our ability to serve youth in that facility,” said Pearson.

Between indoor and outdoor sports and swimming lessons, the Loya Center sees between 500 and 600 children in one season.

“Three racquetball courts amounts to 2,400 square feet, with 2,400 square feet we can serve up 40 more kids per hour,” said Pearson.

The YMCA will use the space for its growing gymnastics program.

The Bowling Family YMCA in northeast El Paso also reduce its number of racquetball courts to make room for the gymnastics as well.

Meanwhile, Collins said many of the current members will have to find another place with enough space to play their favorite sport.

“It’s the best cardio workout you can get, you can play it inside year round. It has a lot of benefits,” said Collins.

Pearson said the remaining courts will be completely renovated.

“We’re keeping two racquetball courts because racquetball is indeed a viable activity,” said Pearson.