The Kosciusko Community YMCA board of directors announced Tuesday they have signed an agreement to purchase the Warsaw Racquet Club.

The YMCA plans to reopen the facility for tennis in late summer. The club was closed March 31.

The purchase of the Warsaw Racquet Club fits into the YMCA's long-term strategic plan. According to board president Bob Durgin, "The YMCA's strategic vision calls for acquiring additional property for the construction of a new primary facility which is suitable for future expansion to support new programs. The current opportunity to acquire the Warsaw Racquet Club and the adjoining 10 acres meets this strategic vision."

The YMCA intends to operate the current Warsaw site as a branch facility, along with the branch in North Webster, after the future construction of the new facility.

Over the past few months, Steve Jungbauer, chief executive officer of the YMCA, and the board's strategic planning committee, chaired by Mike Getz, have worked with Garry and Sherry England to evaluate the potential of the Racquet Club as a YMCA facility.

Jungbauer said, "For many years, the Warsaw Racquet Club has been a valuable community asset. The Englands have been very supportive of the club becoming a part of the YMCA system so that tennis can continue to grow in our community."

The England's support for the YMCA is reflected by their agreement to provide a substantial donation as a part of the purchase agreement. "The England's donation will be among the largest individual gifts the YMCA has received," according to Jungbauer. "Their support is greatly appreciated by the YMCA, its members and the community."

The purchase agreement is contingent upon the YMCA securing funding for the purchase through grants, donations and loans. Byron Kauffman, YMCA board member, said, "Garry and Sherry England are flexible and very willing to accommodate the YMCA in an effort to reopen the club as soon as possible."

Over the years, the YMCA has expanded facilities and membership. The current Warsaw facility has a physical capacity to serve 4,000-5,000 members. Current membership is 7,191 individuals in Warsaw and 688 individuals in North Webster. An additional facility on the north side of Warsaw would provide additional member benefits, access for area residents and an opportunity for substantial YMCA growth in membership and programs to meet current and future community needs.

The Kosciusko Community YMCA volunteer board of directors also includes: Scott Bowman, Don Brown, Paul Crousore, Laura Fitzsimmons, R.J. Hall, Rachel Johnson, Abbe Muta, Barry Parker, Leslie Piazza, Butch Schapson, Troy Turley, Greg Ummel, Doug Vogel and Steve Wilson.

The Kosciusko Community YMCA, a not for profit organization, provides community-based programs for the youth, teens, adults and seniors of Kosciusko County. The Kosciusko Community YMCA does not deny any youth, adult or family membership or participation based on their inability to pay. Financial assistance and discounts are available. During 2004, the YMCA provided $558,000 in financial assistance, discounts and subsidies to the residents of Kosciusko County. [[In-content Ad]]