By Anne Levin

For decades, members of the local community have been welcome at Princeton University’s Dillon Gymnasium and Stephens Fitness Center. But by the end of the year, use of the pool, squash courts, and other facilities will no longer be open to the public.

“Due to space limitations and student demand for the fitness and recreation facilities at Dillon Gymnasium and the Stephens Fitness Center, the University will no longer offer gym memberships to the general public as of January 1, 2019,” reads a letter sent to members on June 11. “In order to provide you with a transition period to find new fitness and recreation facilities to meet your needs, as of July 1, 2018 we will offer you the option of a half-year membership for non-University patrons. When the term of that membership option concludes at the end of the 2018, members of the general public will no longer be able to purchase a membership.”

One longtime member who asked not to be identified said there was no advance notice of the coming cutoff. A Princeton resident, he has been swimming at the Dillon pool for 30 years.

“At the midday hour, it’s not crowded,” he said. “I did appeal to the University pointing that out, and they said it was too difficult to divide things up by times. It was a big surprise to us old folks. Another friend of mine also appealed to the school, but didn’t get anywhere.”

On the University’s Campus Recreation website, half-year memberships for the general public are listed at $615. Facilities include Dillon Gym, Dillon Pool, Stephens Fitness Center, and the DeNunzio Pool.

The letter from the University thanks members for the patronage over the years, and apologizes for the inconvenience the change may cause. The letter also includes a list of other local recreation facilities that offer similar services including the Princeton YMCA, Princeton Fitness & Wellness, New York Sports Clubs, Pretty Brook Tennis Club, and Life Time Athletic.

“The University has always been so welcoming in terms of townies being able to participate in things, so this is certainly a change,” said the member. “We don’t know what we’ll do.”