Westfield Gets New YMCA as Ransburg Location Closes

Ransburg YMCA members rally to save their community center as closure looms, raising questions about financial issues and disparities with suburban locations.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has announced that the Ransburg YMCA on the east side of Indianapolis will close on March 31, 2026, despite efforts by members to save the community center. Questions have been raised about the YMCA's decision to invest in a new facility in the wealthier suburb of Westfield while closing a location in the lower-income Warren Township area.

Why it matters

The closure of the Ransburg YMCA raises concerns about the YMCA's commitment to its mission of providing opportunities for people of all backgrounds. The decision to invest in a new facility in Westfield, where the median household income is over $119,000, while closing a location in the lower-income Warren Township area, where the median household income is around $49,000, has led to questions about the YMCA's priorities and whether it is truly serving all members of the community.

The details

The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has stated that the closure of the Ransburg YMCA is due to ongoing financial issues specific to that location, despite efforts by the organization to address the challenges. The YMCA has said it explored various options, including internal expense reductions and outreach to philanthropic organizations, but was unable to find a sustainable solution. However, the YMCA has declined to provide specific details about the financial situation or the options that were considered.

  • The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis announced the closure of the Ransburg YMCA in January 2026.
  • The Ransburg YMCA is set to close on March 31, 2026.

The players

YMCA of Greater Indianapolis

A nonprofit organization that operates YMCA facilities in the Greater Indianapolis area, including the Ransburg YMCA location that is set to close.

Gregg Hiland

The CEO of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis.

Michael-Paul Hart

A City-County Councilor who has met with YMCA leadership to try to find a way to keep the Ransburg YMCA open.

Ransburg YMCA members

Members of the Ransburg YMCA who have rallied to try to save their community center from closing.

Westfield, Indiana

A suburb of Indianapolis where the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has invested in a new facility, despite the median household income being over $119,000 compared to around $49,000 in the Warren Township area where the Ransburg YMCA is located.

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What they’re saying

“We explored every option, including internal expense reductions and greater efficiency, as well as outreach to philanthropic organizations, but found nothing to keep the center sustainable in the long term.”

— YMCA of Greater Indianapolis (wishtv.com)

“We are continuing to engage directly with our members. Association-wide memberships are valid at all YMCA of Greater Indianapolis locations, and we look forward to welcoming Ransburg members at other centers.”

— YMCA of Greater Indianapolis (wishtv.com)

What’s next

City-County Councilor Michael-Paul Hart has said he will continue to meet with YMCA leadership to try to find a way to keep the Ransburg YMCA open, potentially through a partnership with the city focused on employee wellness and preventive health care.

The takeaway

The closure of the Ransburg YMCA highlights the challenges facing community-based organizations in serving lower-income areas, even as they invest in new facilities in wealthier suburbs. This case raises questions about the YMCA's commitment to its mission of serving people of all backgrounds and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the organization's decision-making processes.