Village of Niles and the YMCA of Metro Chicago Announce the End of Discussions to Transfer Operations of the Niles Family Fitness Center to the YMCA
Niles, IL – Following months of negotiations, the Village of Niles and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago jointly announced today the end of discussions that would have led to the YMCA assuming operations of the Niles Family Fitness Center (NFFC). The Village of Niles’ Board of Trustees was scheduled to vote on a lease agreement next Tuesday, September 29. The Board meeting will no longer proceed after both parties agreed to not move forward with the proposal.
“This was a great opportunity for a public-nonprofit partnership, and we are disappointed that it did not come to fruition. We will continue to seek ways to best serve the community through services such as the Niles Family Fitness Center,” stated Mayor Andrew Przybylo. “The YMCA is an important part of the fabric of the Niles community and we appreciate their contributions past, present, and future.”
“The YMCA has been honored to serve area residents for 60 years at the Leaning Tower YMCA and we value the relationship we have built with the Village of Niles,” said Richard Malone, President and CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. “However, after extensive internal dialogue, we have decided not to continue with plans to offer membership services and community outreach at the NFFC. Recent developments have allowed both parties to reassess the practicality of the arrangement and the timing of the transition. The Y entered into this endeavor driven by a sincere desire to continue serving the Niles Community, and are deeply disappointed by this outcome. We wish the Village of Niles every success with the NFFC facility and have faith that they will continue to serve Niles residents with as much passion and loyalty as the YMCA is known for.”
The YMCA will continue to operate membership centers, camps, and community partnerships across the Chicagoland area.
For the immediate future, the Village of Niles will continue to operate the Niles Family Fitness Center. The Village Special Board meeting on September 29 has been canceled.
About the Village of Niles:
The Village of Niles is proudly built upon friendly, multi-cultural neighborhoods, with best-in-class services, low taxes and efficient multi-modal transportation for all its residents—urban professionals, young families and senior citizens alike. Bordering Chicago, Niles is safe, clean and conveniently located, with good schools, and a community which embraces ethnic diversity and comes together to enjoy events, festivals and cultures. Niles is truly easy to do business with and is home to several major corporations and signature businesses. If you can imagine it—you can create it, build and make it here in the Village of Niles. Enjoy a brand new start, a new home outside the city, more services for your life, a different kind of festival, a bold new business, a happy content, safe community. Your success is our success —as a community and a prospering Village.
About the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago:
The YMCA of Metro Chicago is an association of 14 Y centers, five overnight camps, and dozens of extension sites located in the city and across the suburbs. We serve more than 200,000 members annually and help children, families, and communities learn, grow, and thrive through programs that promote academic readiness, character development, violence prevention, and fitness and healthy living. Our impact is felt every day when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child, and when a community comes together for the common good. Learn about how the Y is working for a better us at ymcachicago.org