YMCA, JCC agree to operate MUO's fitness center
12/2/2005The YMCA and JCC of Greater Toledo yesterday took over operation of the Morse Fitness Center on the Medical University of Ohio campus, the institutions announced.
The operating agreement allows YMCA/JCC max members to use Morse Center facilities, including its fitness equipment, indoor running track, basketball court, and racketball courts.
At the same time, Morse Center members are able to upgrade their memberships to YMCA/JCC max memberships, said Larry Lev, chief operating officer of the YMCA/JCC.
"We have been looking for ways to collaborate and continue to serve people in South Toledo," Mr. Lev said. "We think this is a great way for two great South Toledo organizations to come together for a great partnership."
All MUO students will be given YMCA/JCC max memberships at no additional cost.
Dan Morissette, MUO senior vice president for finance and administration, said the agreement does not require extra investments by either institution.
"The Y has a lot of expertise in managing fitness centers, so they will be able to bring that form of service," he said.
The Greater Toledo YMCA has opened new facilities in recent years in suburban communities, such as Perrysburg and Bedford Township.
The 46,000-square-foot, $7.4 million Bedford center opened in March.
Asked whether the YMCA might open a downtown Toledo health club to serve office workers and a growing downtown residential living clientele, Mr. Lev replied that the organization already had a downtown location in the former Riverside Hospital building on Summit Street near the Craig Memorial Bridge - a location planners do not include as part of downtown.
The John and Marlene Boll Family YMCA will open Monday in downtown Detroit.
The 100,000-square-foot, $32 million center includes six levels, a gym, fitness area, 200-seat theater, cafe, pool, and family resource center.
The Boll family, of Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich., donated $4 million to assist in the construction of the building.