To the editor:

Closing the Community Building for public use is a terrible idea for numerous reasons. The building has been a great, inexpensive resource for downtown people who want to warm up, shower or exercise. The city has gradually improved the building over the years. The weight room and cardio room have been steadily improving, and the basketball court was resurfaced not too long ago too. This will all be wasted. The city will basically be creating an exercise desert for downtown and North Lawrence with the closing of this resource at a time when fitness should be prioritized. Jobs will be lost. It all makes no sense. The numbers of visitors aren’t accurately reflected because they don’t always make you scan your badge, but a lot of people use the building. It would be wiser to keep a unique, downtown resource going.

David McChristy,

Lawrence