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||| FROM SYLVIA ALBRIGHT |||<\/p>\n
I write this only as a member of Orcas Island Fitness Center; the views I express are merely my own.<\/p>\n
According to a Notice of Trustee\u2019s Sale, the property at\u00a0188 A Street in Eastsound\u00a0is set for sale next month, and there appears to be limited community awareness about it. This building hosts a handful of local businesses and it is home to Orcas Island Fitness Center, which to my knowledge has one of the only (maybe the only?) publicly accessible pools on island.<\/p>\n
The gym is used by people of all ages and backgrounds \u2013 it offers swimming lessons for kids, low impact exercise for the elderly, weight training and cardio for teens and adults.\u00a0 Its saunas and hot tub provide relief for folks with chronic conditions and those recovering from aches or injuries. The showers are used by members and guests, some of whom do not have access otherwise.\u00a0 It is a place of community that helps keep our population fit and healthy and a vital resource during our cold and wet winter months.<\/p>\n
It seems in the realm of possibility that this building may be purchased for development of private residences or some other purpose that would close it to the public.\u00a0 The parking surrounding this building is routinely used by visitors and locals attending the Farmers Market, a concert, parade or other event.\u00a0 With so little parking in Eastsound, if lost it would create more congestion and reduce access to these gatherings. \u00a0<\/p>\n
I have highlighted just a portion of the impacts the closure of this building may bring.\u00a0 It would be a real tragedy for the island to lose this community asset.<\/p>\n
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