Letter: Community losing much with loss of fitness center

I and many others in the community are extremely disappointed and upset with the recent decision to permanently close Edwards Health and Fitness Center.

It is an outstanding facility with many loyal members who are trying to stay healthy and avoid drugs. You are taking away our means to keep our blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels in check with exercise.

Any heath professional will tell you that diet and exercise are of course the best way to manage your health. Better than any drug. You are taking this away from us.

In my opinion, this decision was probably profit-based only with no regard to the community. And we are given only 30 days' notice to make other arrangements.

If the facility is operating at a loss, other options should have been explored. I would be happy to pay a higher membership rate or bring my own towel to keep our beloved club open.

If the reason for closing is that the hospital needs the space, other options like vertical building should be explored.

Your decision is extremely disruptive and irresponsible to the Community. I thought Naperville was a progressive city who cares about the health and well-being of its' citizens. That is why I live here.

Providing a local, clean, comprehensive health and fitness Center is a responsible answer for many of Naperville's middle aged and active senior citizens.

I hope you put a lot of thought into this decision, because you are taking away a big part of the lives of many in the Community. The Edwards Health and Fitness center was a source of pride in the Community.

I am 61 years old and take no high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes drugs. I want to keep it that way.

Maryann McDaniel

Naperville