YMCA Detroit to close Boll daycare center

Detroit — Leaders of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit are shutting down the early learning center at the Y’s downtown location at the end of August due to declining enrollment.

In a notice sent to families earlier this week from Kyle Anderson, vice president of operations, and Parrish Underwood, president and CEO of the Y of Metro Detroit, they said the daycare program at the Boll YMCA will continue to operate through Aug. 30 to allow families to find alternative care. The Boll YMCA is located on Broadway Street in downtown Detroit.

The notice was sent in a letter to families on Monday from Kyle Anderson, vice president of operations, and Parrish Underwood, president and CEO of the Y.

“Over the years, the center has been honored to serve the local community. However, it has experienced decreasing enrollment and was especially hard hit during the pandemic,” the leaders wrote. “Despite our efforts to reopen and sustain operations, average annual enrollment has been and is currently around 50% of licensed capacity, rendering the program unsustainable.”

The Boll Family YMCA will continue to offer various family programs, such as swim lessons, karate and sports.

“We understand this is a difficult and unexpected change for everyone,” the leaders wrote. “We do not make decisions without considering those most impacted ‑ in this case, our registered children, families, and center staff. We share the sadness of closing a program that has profoundly impacted the lives of so many children and families over the years. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our families and staff who have been an integral part.”

srahal@detroitnews.com

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