The Riverside Community Center will become a city-run gathering space starting in January 2027.
On Tuesday, Oct. 6, the Riverside Board of Aldermen approved a resolution authorizing notice of termination of the city’s management and services agreement with the YMCA. The YMCA will continue to operate the center through Dec. 31, and current services will continue as usual until then.
In a press release, city leadership says they are grateful to the YMCA for its partnership in community center operations.
“YMCA staff have helped countless Riverside families stay active, health and connected and the city looks forward to continuing that relationship through the Healthy Living Program,” the release states.
The change comes as long-time recreation manager Lori Boji prepares to retire on Nov. 3.
“The city thanks Lori for her 25 years of dedicated service to Riverside recreation,” the release states.
Her retirement prompted a city committee to study how the center could best serve residents in the years ahead. Because the city already pays 75 percent of metro-wide YMCA memberships for all residents through the Healthy Living Program, the committee concluded the community center could serve more people as a space for learning, outreach, community events, limited fitness opportunities and rentals.
“This change seeks to enhance use of the facility and provide a space for residents to gather and build community,” City Administrator Amy Strough said.
Programming will be developed for pre-K children, homeschool families, kids and teens, as well as adults, including educational workshops, clubs, day camps and larger family and community events. The gym and two meeting rooms will be available to rent for events, meetings, parties and club sports, with large blocks of time set aside daily for open gym and pickleball.
The city expects to hire a facility manager by December and the center will begin its new programming in January. A full schedule of classes and activities is expected by next spring.