I believe it was 23 years ago in 1996 when the old Natatorium closed and our new pool opened up at the Kinsmen Sportsplex.  That was the last time I was regular customer at the Moose Jaw Family YMCA.  The adjoining pool was the main attraction for me.

As I try to digest the fact our YMCA is ceasing operations, I wonder if the "Nat" closing was the beginning of the end for the "Y".

Expansion followed with a new gym in a satellite location and a number of child care centres opened under the "Y" umbrella.  My perception was the "Y" was thriving.   It might have been but, not anymore.

How and why did this happen?  You'll find those involved have their opinions but they don't really matter anymore - not at this stage of the game - it's the end of the game.

I don't have the answers and it seems no one can come up with solutions.  It's a sad day for the hundreds of local people and their families who have supported and utilized the "Y".  Just plain sad.