WHAT'S IN STORE: University of Sports will close

University of Sports, the fitness center on the west side of Rohnert Park, will close at the end of February, its owners have announced.

Rumors swirled for months about the possibility of the gym being sold to Sports City, but after a deal did not materialize, the local ownership group decided not to renew the lease that expires March 14.

University of Sports told existing members about the decision, explaining that memberships will cancel as of Feb. 28 and pre-paid memberships will be refunded in early March.

General Manager, Jenny Ogston, noted that the transition has been hectic but overall positive. After closure, the equipment will be liquidated and the refund process begun. The gym opened in 2002, providing a wide array of classes and sport leagues along with summer camps for kids.

"It is nice that ownership is notifying members and doing it the right way rather than just closing the doors suddenly one day," said Ogston.

In a show of solidarity, many local fitness clubs reached out, extending membership deals to existing Uof S members as well as employment opportunities for the staff. Club One, Powerfit, Energy Health Clubs, Powerhouse Fitness and Inspired Fitness offered special deals that are posted on the University of Sports website.

The fitness club faced stiff opposition after 24 Hour Fitness opened in February 2012. Many younger members and college students chose the atmosphere at 24 Hour Fitness over the more "family friendly" University of Sports.

Donnybrook Investments, which owns the building, has been out to tour the facility recently but has yet to announce plans for the large space Ogston said.

-- Nick Walden