On October 31, 2025, the John Rolfe Family YMCA in Henrico County will officially close its doors after 20 years of serving the community. The YMCA couldn’t agree on a new lease with the building owner because of the expensive renovations needed for the older facility.
They decided that spending that much money wouldn’t be responsible, especially when they rely on donations and membership fees to keep them running. This means the community will be losing a familiar place that many people have relied on.
For many people, the YMCA isn’t just a place to work out; it’s where they see their friends, take classes, bring their kids, and even find support. One longtime member, 90-year-old Gene Bush, told a local news station that he goes every morning and that it has become a huge part of his daily routine and health.
“I can’t do a lot of traveling up and down the road, and so this place is like home to us. We got a grocery store, we’ve got a pharmacy here, we’ve got all of our friends here,” Bush said. His words make it clear the YMCA isn’t just a gym, it’s where people feel at home. Others say the people they’ve met at the Y feel like family.
The impact goes beyond gym equipment and classes. Many longtime members are retired, and this YMCA has been their routine and social spot for years. Without this location, members will have to travel to other Y branches, which might be farther away and harder to get to, especially for older adults.
The closure may also hurt nearby businesses, like the restaurants and shops in the same shopping center, since they may depend on YMCA traffic to bring in customers before and after workouts. Losing the Y means losing a gathering place that brought many people together and kept the community connected.
The YMCA says it is trying to ease the transition. Memberships will remain valid at all Richmond YMCA branches, and the organization is encouraging John Rolfe members to use nearby locations such as the newly renovated Tuckahoe Family YMCA.
The Y has also promised no staff discharges tied to this closure; many employees will be offered positions at other branches. Also, people who are signed up for programs in the Y will be assisted in moving to another location.
To thank members, the Y is keeping its rates the same until October 2026 and skipping the yearly fee this October. Even with these efforts, many members say it won’t feel the same as their small neighborhood Y.
The closing of the John Rolfe YMCA is more than just the loss of a gym; it’s the loss of a place where people built friendships, stayed healthy, and felt part of a community. While members can still visit other YMCAs in Richmond, it won’t be the same as the familiar, close-to-home space they have known for years.
This closure shows how important community centers are and how much they impact the people who use them every day. Even though the building will soon be empty, the memories and connections made there will continue to matter to the people of Henrico.
