ELIZABETHTOWN — After many months of operating at a loss, Bladen Fitness Center will close its doors on April 30. The pool will close at the end of business on March 31.

The Bladen Fitness Center opened in October 2000 and has about 770 members.

The need for extensive repairs on the fitness center, as well as the “continuing operational drain on Bladen Healthcare’s bottom line,” have combined to force the closure, according to Cameron Highsmith, CEO, of Bladen Healthcare.

“Since we’ve been affiliated with Cape Fear Valley, the health system has poured funds and human resources into our hospital,” Highsmith said. “The system has replaced the hospital’s roof, purchased much-needed equipment and brought additional specialists to the community. We have so many needs and there are not enough funds to continue upgrading our core business, while maintaining the fitness center.

“We would like to thank the community for their support of Bladen Fitness Center and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”

The Cape Fear Valley Physical Therapy and Rehab, housed within Bladen Fitness Center, will not close.

According to Jennifer Carroll, human resource director, “the physical therapy and rehab facility will remain open, but at some time we may relocate.”

Those with memberships with the fitness center will be reimbursed in full for any portion left after April 30. Those members who wish to discontinue their membership prior to April 30 may do so by calling 862-6533.