Locals rally to reopen Piscataquis Regional YMCA [Video]

After the facility announced it would close by Nov. 1, a local group is working to reopen it as a community center.

DOVER-FOXCROFT, Maine — Earlier this month, the Piscataquis Regional YMCA in Dover-Foxcroft announced it would close by Nov. 1, citing declining revenue and rising operational costs. But a new local effort is underway to keep the building open as a community center.

A group of former Piscataquis Regional YMCA board members and other locals are forming a nonprofit called “The Piscataquis Area Community Center.”

Their goal is to take over the facility, ensuring the community can continue using the services it relies on, such as the pool, exercise facilities, and childcare.

“We’re pushing to have it done as quickly as possible because people rely on this place,” Jason Brochu, a former Piscataquis YMCA board member, said.

Brochu said the group is working quickly to finalize a deal with the Old Town/Orono YMCA, which currently …