The YWCA of Walla Walla announced Friday, June 27, 2014, that the YWCA Ice Chalet will close permanently in the fall. A combination of rising expenses, declining use, and aging facilities led to this decision.
“The financial costs of operating the Ice Chalet have continued to grow over the years, the number of people using it continues to decline, and we have reached the point at which it is no longer feasible to continue operations,” Executive Director Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin said.
“This decision was a hard one, and it was not made lightly. The Board conducted a thorough review and marketing efforts were undertaken to increase use. In the end, the most responsible decision, the decision best for the YWCA and our community, is to close the facility and redeploy the space and financial resources to serve our community in alignment with our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women,” Schwerin said.
The Ice Chalet opened in 1965. “At the time it was an opportunity to provide health and fitness activities in a new way, different from a pool or gym. With the closing of the Ice Chalet, we will evaluate the needs of the community through the lens of our mission to determine the best use of the space for the future,” said Schwerin.
Schwerin thanked the community for the support of the Ice Chalet over its 49-year life.
“It has been a wonderful part of the YWCA of Walla Walla for many years, and we thank everyone who has taken part in its activities.”
For more information, please read our Frequently Asked Questions about the Ice Chalet closure.