Anger, sadness as fitness buffs learn YMCA of Strafford County's days are numbered

THE LAST DANCE? A group of women work out to music in the group exercise room at the YMCA of Strafford County (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The YMCA of Strafford County was having a joke contest on Tuesday.
Members could write their name on an index card along with a favorite joke or riddle and win a prize if judged the best.
While the clerk was explaining the contest to a member checking in an elderly man exiting the facility after a workout quipped, "I'll tell you the joke. The Rochester Y is staying in Rochester."
Ever since an email was sent out last week advising members of the YMCA of Strafford County's imminent closure the talk of the gym has been bristling with anger, frustration and sorrow.
"It breaks my heart," said Terence O'Rourke, who said he's been going to the Y for years, often on his lunch break. "I'm angry."

A listing of daily exercise classes at the door of the group exercise room at the YMCA of Strafford County located in Rochester. (Rochester Voice photo)

The Granite Y announced its decision to merge the YMCA of Strafford County's child day care and family wellness programs with its Somersworth Learning Center a few days ago. As part of the plan it will be vacating its space in a facility at the top of Industrial Way in Rochester.
"As a leader in childcare and early learning, we are mindful that the state of New Hampshire has a lack of accessible childcare for many families in need, making this decision even more important for us," said Michele Sheppard, CEO of The Granite YMCA. "After a great deal of planning and due diligence, we are confident that by merging the current
program in Rochester with the Somersworth Learning Center, we will be positioned to grow our services, provide improved access to childcare and serve a larger population in the Tri-City area."
The 721 members who frequent the Rochester Y's fitness facility, however, will be left behind, sparking some angst among fitness buffs who were working out there on Tuesday.
All expressed disappointment with the closure, while discussing nearby wellness alternatives, which are limited to Planet Fitness on North Main Street in Rochester and The Works in Somersworth.
"I'll be at The Works tomorrow," piped up one woman in the Rochester Y's fitness center, where a half dozen others were working out, mostly on free weights.
Others on hand who didn't give their names expressed sorrow for so many of the city's elderly who work out regularly in group exercise classes that are regularly schedule throughout the week.
Seniors, mostly women, often pack the group exercise room for its six to 10 classes a day including Yoga, Zumba, Muscle Conditioning, Cardio Tone and Chair Yoga.
"It's gonna be rough on them," remarked O'Rourke as he was leaving.
Sheppard said they had studied the local wellness landscape and had deemed "there are numerous wellness opportunities in the area, and so the need is being met."
The nearest Ys that have fitness centers are in Portsmouth, which is about a 40-minute drive; and Sanford, Maine, which is a 30-minute drive. Both of those facilities will honor Granite Y memberships.
The Rochester facility will remain open through Sept. 31, and on Oct. 1 the Somersworth Learning Center will begin accepting the children and families from the Rochester location, according to Sheppard.
"Though we understand and appreciate that this type of change is hard, we believe that we are best positioned to fulfill our mission to serve the Tri-City area through this strategic plan for initial consolidation and future growth and accessibility for all," added Sheppard.
The YMCA of Strafford County has been operating in Rochester for 14 years.