DOVER-FOXCROFT, Maine — Earlier this month, the Piscataquis Regional YMCA in Dover-Foxcroft announced it would close by Nov. 1, citing declining revenue and rising operational costs. But a new local effort is underway to keep the building open as a community center.
A group of former Piscataquis Regional YMCA board members and other locals are forming a nonprofit called "The Piscataquis Area Community Center."
Their goal is to take over the facility, ensuring the community can continue using the services it relies on, such as the pool, exercise facilities, and childcare.
"We're pushing to have it done as quickly as possible because people rely on this place," Jason Brochu, a former Piscataquis YMCA board member, said.
Brochu said the group is working quickly to finalize a deal with the Old Town/Orono YMCA, which currently manages the Piscataquis branch.
"Sometimes it takes crisis situations to kind of pull people together," Brochu said. "Everybody is pulled together, and we have a real good, solid plan to go forward."
Brochu's group hopes to reopen the building as soon as possible after the YMCA closes on Nov. 1.
"This place can run as a community center forever under this nonprofit, and we're very excited about it," he added.
The Dover-Foxcroft Select Board is backing the effort. Board Chair Tom Lizotte said the town will reallocate $26,000 that was originally set aside for the YMCA to the new community center initiative.
"It's a very easy thing for us to transfer those funds to the new entity that emerges from the ashes of the YMCA, so we're fully committed to doing that," Lizotte said.
For many in the community, the YMCA has been a vital resource, especially for parents like Kayla Maioriello. Her 5-year-old son, Legend, who is autistic, attends the Y's after-school program.
Maioriello said her son's behavior has significantly improved since attending the program, and he's now beginning to enjoy school.
"When we found out that they were closing down, we felt a little panicky, not knowing where our child would be accepted next," Maioriello said.
She said she's relieved at the news that the facility might remain open. "The people are just amazing. They all get it. They all understand. They all treated him like every other child," Maioriello said. "To hear that they're staying open, and able to continue for him to be a part of their family has been really great."
While the plans to reopen the building are moving forward, Brochu and other leaders emphasized that continued community support will be essential.
They'll need memberships and donations to ensure the new community center thrives.
"The people are fighting for the community, so the community needs to help back," Maioriello said.
NEWS CENTER Maine reached out to the Old Town/Orono YMCA for comment but did not hear back.
CEO Scott Wilcox previously stated that the organization's goal is to do what's best for the community, wanting the building to go to someone who can utilize its resources.