INDIANAPOLIS — A cornerstone of Indianapolis' east side could disappear by the end of March.
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The Ransburg YMCA, which has served families for decades, has a target potential closure date of March 31 due to funding issues, according to members of the advisory board.
For generations, the facility has provided childcare, summer camps, teen programming and senior services that families rely on daily.
"Currently, right now, there is a target date of March 31st to close the facility due to funding," said Craig Cordi, advisory board chairman. "So, unless some sort of philanthropic entity steps in and endows up to a million dollars a year annually, it looks like that facility will cease to operate in March."
If the east side YMCA closes, it would impact roughly 1,800 youth who play sports and have a safe place to hang out. Senior citizens who rely on public transportation to reach the facility could lose access to daily programming.
Cordi said the far east side facility has consistently operated in deficit, and recent childcare voucher cuts have worsened the situation.
"It's just another hit that the side's going to take, we're gonna lose the facility," Cordi said.
Cordi, who has been a member since moving to Indianapolis in 1976, described the potential closure as devastating for the east side community.
"You can only keep feeding something so long before you have to make a hard business decision," Cordi said. "It's going to devastate the east side."
City-County Councilor Michael-Paul Hart said he is meeting with community leaders in Hancock County to explore potential solutions for the struggling facility.
"Ultimately, creating a health center system, a network throughout Marion County that would be available to the residents and a partnership, whether it's with our hospital corporation or other hospital corporations in Marion County," Paul Hart said.
The facility has been described as an "east side pillar" by community members who are hoping for intervention before it's too late.
"The numbers just aren't there anymore," Cordi said.
In a press release sent by the YMCA, officials confirmed financial challenges forced the board to close the center.
“This decision was not made lightly,” said Gregg Hiland, President and CEO of YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, in the release. “Our staff, volunteers and community members worked tirelessly the past 18 months to address ongoing financial pressures at the Ransburg center. We explored every option but found no viable solutions for sustainability for this location. While this outcome is painful, it was made to preserve our mission and our ability to serve the central Indiana community for years to come.”
“The YMCA remains deeply committed to its members and the greater Indianapolis community,” said YMCA Association Board Chair Joe White in the release. “We will work alongside community leaders to identify the best options for everyone who depends on the YMCA.”
The YMCA said it looks forward to welcoming members of the Ransburg location at other centers and supporting families through this transition.
Adam Schumes is the In Your Community reporter for East Side Indy. He joined WRTV in December of 2021. Adam has a passion for telling stories and giving people a voice they might not have had before. Share your story ideas and important issues with Adam by emailing him at adam.schumes@wrtv.com.
