By Amber Jurgensen | Staff Writer
The Plant City YMCA is considering new uses for its racquetball courts following a mold outbreak that closed the courts for three weeks.
While playing a game of racquetball, YMCA Director Eric Poe spotted what he thought was dirt on the walls. However, the spots turned out to be mold spores.
The next day, ServPro, a damage restoration service, inspected the courts and discovered mold behind the walls. The company tore out several wall panels. It also installed anti-humidifiers and air scrubbers to prevent further mold infestations not only in the racquetball court but also in the child watch room and the neighboring group fitness room as precautions.
Although the building is only 10 years old, excessive rain this summer caused several leaks in the YMCA’s roof, which may have led to the mold, Poe said. The temperature also is difficult to control in the racquetball courts, because they have their own air-conditioning units. The group fitness room also was found to have some damage, but no mold.
Following the outbreak, the YMCA is considering turning the racquetball courts into another group fitness room or expanding the popular group fitness room.
“We’re looking for how we can better serve Plant City,” Poe said.
The cost to convert the room is estimated to be about $30,000, which will come from capital dollars from an emergency situation fund set aside by the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.