HOT SPRINGS -- The Boys and Girls Club of Hot Springs will close at month's end after 75 years in operation, after notice from Boys and Girls Clubs of America that it would revoke the Hot Springs charter at the end of February, officials say.
In a letter titled "To the Community of Hot Springs," the board said the Hot Springs Family YMCA will run the spring baseball program on the Boys and Girls Club's baseball fields and provide after-school care. The YMCA organization also said it will consider taking control of the club and its facilities.
"However, the YMCA will perform a thorough due diligence process before a firm commitment will be considered," according to the letter.
The news of the loss of the charter left the board with "no other option," the letter said.
"There are many questions to be answered as we transition the Club's non-profit status to permanent closure (e.g. what happens to the property, etc.), and the Club has engaged an attorney to assist us with this process," it said.
"Closure is disappointing for all of us, but it is our sincere hope that this closure is temporary and perhaps even necessary in order for us to rebound and gain the respect and support of our community as a whole," the letter said.
The YMCA will send staff members to the club this week to work with parents "to try to get a smooth transition going" on the after-school programs, said Peter Davin, chief executive officer of the YMCA organization in Hot Springs.
Metro on 02/20/2018