Community Fitness takes on building ownership

GUILFORD – When the former Guilford Primary building went up for sale last summer, the organization operating a fitness center at that location decided it was time to act.

“Our worry when the property went up for sale was that any potential buyer might want our space for a different purpose. In order to be sustainable for the future we felt we needed to make sure it remained our permanent home,” said Gayle Worden, executive director of Friends of Community Fitness, a 501c3 organization established in 2003. “This is the perfect location for us, with the gymnasium and all the space, and Miss A’s Daycare next door.”

Contributed photo
NEW BUILDING OWNERS — When the former Guilford Primary building in Guilford went up for sale last summer, officials with tenant Friends of Community Fitness decided it was time to act by purchasing the structure.

The sale, which was part real estate gift from owner Clark’s Enterprises and part real estate purchase, closed on Nov. 22.

In a follow-up email Worden wrote the organization approached the Clarks with a $10,000 offer “and the suggestion that a real estate donation to us as a 501c3 non profit of the difference between that price and the property’s appraised value would be a nice tax incentive for them.”

Worden said after some research into the proposal, the Clarks agreed. The appraisal came back at $325,000, and Worden said Friends of Community also paid about $2,300 to cover some closing costs.

“The Clarks have been supportive of the center and Robyn and her mom were members while they lived in the area,” Worden said. “We are appreciative of their willingness to make this donation.”

“Funds came out of our general fund, which covers operating expenses,” she said, adding that it took half the organization’s account to cover the purchase.

“We will be doing some fundraising to replace that money, as well as to do needed maintenance and improvements to the building,” she said. “We have trouble with the roof in the wintertime, with some leakage due to ice buildup. And the boiler system is very old, so we would like to have that modernized, and perhaps explore some more energy-efficient sources for heat and lighting.”

An open house for members and the public will be scheduled in January to allow people to tour the space, and discuss thoughts on how the community center might evolve going forward.

“It’s a community center, so we want ideas from our entire community,” said Worden. “We welcome that.”

The mission of Friends of Community Fitness is to promote a healthy lifestyle through various forms of physical exercise, nutritional counseling, holistic health services and education for citizens of all ages and income levels. The nonprofit offers scholarships for income-eligible individuals.

For more information, call Friends of Community Fitness at 876-4813 or visit comfitme.com.