After nearly year of negotiations and blessed with the generous philanthropic support of 40 community members, the YMCA of the Chesapeake has acquired Cross Court Athletic Club located at 1180 South Washington St in Easton. One of the last remaining indoor tennis facilities on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the 43,000 square foot facility boasts four indoor tennis courts, three outdoor clay courts, wellness and group exercise space and shower facilities.
Though in operation for the past 30+ years, the imminent threat of the sale of the Cross Court facility for redevelopment purposes, led local YMCA volunteers to explore strategic opportunities that could save the facility, its programs and services, while expanding the charitable work of the YMCA. With 10,000 members in Talbot County, the Y’s main facility located on Peachblossom is a hub for community activity and very busy. Y volunteers and staff determined the Cross Court facility could provide additional opportunities to meet community needs through expanded youth programs including year round tennis, youth soccer, and youth sports skills development. The facility could also provide expanded wellness programing for older adults such as balance and stability classes, fall prevention classes, flexibility and Yoga classes and functional strength activities that would help continue to support an active aging demographic within the County. The Y plans to explore with Y members and existing Cross Court members ways in which the facility may be utilized to best serve community needs, or the like.
“This is a big win for our community and the YMCA “, said Dick Bodorff YMCA Board President. “Tennis, as a way to connect to our friends and neighbors, is a big part of the culture of Talbot County. Losing this facility to development would have been a real loss. Under the Y’s leadership, not only will existing programs continue, but the development of new and exciting programs will only help to strengthen our community.”
The not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charity turns no one away due to the inability to pay and provided over $1.2 million dollars in financial assistance to over 12,000 people across the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia in 2016. All Y members will gain access to programs and services at the Cross Court facility, to be newly named Y @ Washington, while existing Cross Court members will gain access to Y facilities and programs across the Eastern Shore.
YMCA CEO Robbie Gill stated, “Warren and Lynne Rich, the YMCA and so many others have dedicated their time and talents to support tennis within Talbot County. It’s very exciting to bring this facility under the umbrella of the Y. There are so many opportunities to make a bigger difference in the lives of kids, families and adults in our community. This facility will only enhance our ability do that work. “
To learn more about the newly named Y @ Washington and the YMCA, please contact Jennifer Gill at 410.770.3890 or email at [email protected]
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