Team Fitness

Dear Editor:

I am writing this with a heavy heart. As most of you are aware I was asked as a favor by the landlord to come in and keep the Stanwood sports clubs open after the last owner was evicted in December 2008.

Fitness and giving back is my nature so I was excited to deliver my enthusiasm to the Stanwood community. I wanted to help everyone lead a better, healthier lifestyle.

I have been trying to work with the landlord to come up with reasonable solutions for the Stanwood club.

Unfortunately, we are unable to come up with a suitable lease/or purchase agreement and have no option other than to close the Stanwood facility.

This was an extremely difficult decision, but we have all known the club has struggled with many obstacles, from the closure of the downtown facility, permits for the addition, and the closure of the pool, all of which the landlord had part in. All this has led to declining membership.

I wanted nothing more than to make an amazing club, giving the members all they wanted — but the money I am losing daily is much larger than expected and I cannot continue to meet the cost of payroll and utilities.

My staff was incredible and I so enjoyed working with them.

I cannot express my gratitude toward the staff, community, and members that have stood by me during these trying times. This decision has been one of the hardest I’ve had to make, because I believe in the community.

Those who know me will confirm that I have always been a man of my word and one who always gives back, so I am very sad about the decision I was forced to make.

I have no other options at this time.

Please understand this has been a tremendous hardship for us all and we are doing the best we can.

Michael Liberato Team Fitness