Poll respondents not sad to see PVAC closing

A slight majority of respondents in an online Argus-Courier poll said that they were not sad to hear about the closing of the Petaluma Valley Athletic Club. Just over 40 percent said they would miss the club, which is in the works of being sold and converted into a church.

Here are some comments:

“I am upset about this. Good times taking my kids to the park there.”

“I couldn’t care less.”

“ Personally, I’ve never even heard of the Petaluma Valley Athletic Club, what it did, where it was, etc. Sorry for my lack of interest.”

“This town has a bad habit of having too many of the same type of business. A mattress store will be next to close.”

“They are a niche market gym. Tennis and swimming and a nice little gym. Somewhat old school. I checked into it a few years ago and did not see the value for the dollar, however, I don’t play tennis. It was just too pricey.”

“Yes, very sad.”

“Yes I am sad, and it is because of the reason they are closing. If they wanted to retire, fine, but they are being forced out by big chain clubs offering cheap membership that in no way a small club can compete with. I think the athletic clubs being built in Petaluma is getting out of control. The public complains about big box stores coming in, but isn’t this the same thing? Yes it is. People aren’t loyal like they used to be, and to them bigger, newer and cheaper is all people care about. No loyalty.”

“Rundown, costly and unenthusiastic staff.”

“I left years ago for a cheaper gym with more amenities.”