After 30 cherished years, Beacon Gym in Three Rivers is set to close its doors, threatening to disrupt a place that is much more than just a gym for our community. For many of us, Beacon is not just a place to exercise; it is a sanctuary where friendships are born, support circles are formed, and bonds are deepened. Our gym is a linchpin in the fabric of our town, where people meet, work out, and share a cup of coffee, always uplifted by the camaraderie that such a place uniquely fosters.

The announced closure suggests members can transfer to other Beacon locations in Kalamazoo, Elkhart, and Granger. However, for our retired members, disabled veterans, and elderly, a 45-minute drive is not just inconvenient—it’s prohibitive. This closure risks leaving many of our community without access to the physical and social connection that is so vital to their daily lives and overall wellbeing.

Therefore, we are respectfully urging Beacon management to reconsider their decision or, at the very least, explore alternative options to maintain this beloved facility. Perhaps adaptive restructuring, community investment, or even a partnership with local organizations that value social health as much as physical activity could be viable solutions. With thoughtful collaboration and genuine consideration of the community’s needs, we believe it might be possible to keep Beacon’s doors open in Three Rivers.

This petition is a call to action for all who value the mental, social, and physical wellbeing that our gym ensures. Our aim is to foster dialogue with Beacon management to explore possible solutions. Let’s not only save a gym but preserve the heartbeat of our community.

Please lend your support by signing this petition to help save our beloved gym and with it, the spirit of Three Rivers.