Helm would not disclose how long the YMCA has been in negotiations and would not identify the potential buyer, but members told the Dayton Daily News they have been told the buyer is the Dayton Raiders Swim Club.
Chris Sperber, president of the swim club, referred all questions to Helm when contacted.
“If and when we have something to announce, our priority would be to communicate with the members first,” Helm said.
Helm declined to elaborate on the details of the negotiations or state why the idea of selling the approximately 30,000-square-foot building at 560 Grange Hall Road is on the table.
In 2008, the YMCA of Greene County merged with the YMCA of Greater Dayton, bringing the Y’s of Beavercreek, Fairborn and Xenia under the same umbrella of Dayton.
Vic Presutti, 74, member of the Beavercreek YMCA, was disappointed to hear the news of a possible sale.
“Beavercreek YMCA members were never informed that we were in trouble and never had a chance to find out if there was anything we could do to make selling it unnecessary,” Presutti said.
“If the members knew that there was something that they could do to change the outcome, I know they would do it,” said fellow Y member Julie Jones, 34.
The Beavercreek YMCA opened in 1986 as a way to promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. It has approximately 70 employees, including seven full-time staff members, according to Helm.
“They are just awesome employees. They are enthusiastic about their jobs,” Jones said. “All of the instructors are really encouraging.”
The facility offers fitness programs, before and after school childcare for the Beavercreek School District, day camps, youth programs and a full range of aquatic activities, including water exercise.
One of the highlights of the facility is its main pool, which some members have said is the best of all the pools within the YMCA’s other properties.
“This is the premiere swimming Y in the area,” said Presutti, who swims in the main pool up to five times a week.
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