CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The YMCA of the Coastal Bend will temporarily close effective Wednesday.
"At the YMCA of the Coastal Bend, the safety and security of everyone who enters our doors has always been and will always be a top priority," officials stated in a news release sent Tuesday night. "After a recent assessment of the YMCA of the Coastal Bend facility, we have determined it is in the best interest of our Y to temporarily close our facility in order to make a number of repairs and improvements. The Y will temporarily close on 10/30/2024. It has not yet been determined when we will reopen, but we will provide project updates."
Off-site programs such as childcare at Incarnate Word Academy will continue, and officials said staff will be paid while the facility is closed.
The group also said members will receive a prorated refund for the duration of the closure, and surrounding YMCA locations will honor YMCA of the Coastal Bend memberships.
"We recognize that this is inconvenient for our staff, members and everyone that relies on our programs and facility," the statement reads.
The non-profit staged a fundraiser at the gym in September, which featured local influencers boxing in front of a crowd of about 300. Organizers tell 3NEWS all the money raised was reinvested back into the YMCA of the Coastal Bend.
3NEWS' Alan Holt and Chris Thomasson were on hand to provide color commentary.
Located on South Upper Broadway since 1939, the building has endured hardships during the during and post-COVID, with a fire forcing a temporary shutdown in 2020. The YMCA provides youth and teen activities, with the youth Valor Boxing Club training at the "Y," as well as low-cost options for seniors.
This is a developing story. 3NEWS will provide updates as they become available.