The YMCA has decided to terminate its lease for the Northeast YMCA Bowling Branch, returning it to the city of El Paso.
The city will be taking back control of its own facility. The YMCA has operated the facility under a longstanding lease agreement with the city, paying $1 per year since 1960.
“While the city is disappointed to see the YMCA leave this location, it is accepting the YMCA’s decision to terminate the lease, with operations scheduled to end on May 15, 2026,” according to a city news release.
City officials had asked YMCA officials to consider extending the lease or entering into a short-term agreement because the Veterans Pool, the nearest public pool serving the area, is currently under repair. The YMCA declined.
“We are disappointed to see the YMCA leave this city-owned facility, particularly given the role it has played in serving families in this area,” said City Manager Dionne Mack in the release.
The city plans to evaluate the property for future use as part of the Parks Master Plan process.
The Veterans Pool is expected to reopen later this summer. Future possibilities for the property may include reinvestment, partnerships, or alternative uses identified through that planning process.
“This transition is not the outcome we hoped for, but we are committed to planning responsibly for the future of this site,” said Northeast city Rep. Cynthia Boyar Trejo. “We will continue looking at how this property can best serve the community over the long term.”
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @eptmaria.bsky.social on Bluesky, and @eptmariacg on TikTok.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: YMCA to end Northeast Bowling Branch lease, return site to El Paso
Reporting by Maria Cortes Gonzalez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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