***Editor’s note–this letter was sent to the studios, written by a patron of the fitness center who is hoping to bring attention to the potential stopping of services at the Annex due to the changeover of the facilities from its current operations to being used for the county judicial needs, written to bring awareness to activity that may be going unnoticed by many in the Decatur area.
The Annex, a longtime hub for youth sports and healthy after school activities, is quietly being transformed into a new Adams County courthouse, leaving many residents unaware that their central community space is about to change forever. This shift will replace gym mats with desks and basketball hoops with judicial benches, altering both the look and the spirit of a place many families rely on.
Beloved community hub in transition
For years, The Annex has served as a gathering place where children, teens, and adults could come together for fitness, recreation, and connection. Youth gymnastics classes, often averaging around 20 kids per session, have helped young athletes build strength, confidence, and friendships in a safe, supervised environment. Volleyball leagues, open gym time, and casual pickup games have turned the courts into a constant source of positive energy after school and on weekends.
The Annex’s central location has been especially important for neighborhood families. Many kids can walk there on their own after school, giving them a safe place to go instead of being home alone or lingering in less structured environments. Parents and caregivers have counted on the facility as a trusted, affordable outlet for healthy activities that keep youth engaged and active.
From courts and classes to courtrooms and offices
Under the current plan, the building will be repurposed to house an Adams County courthouse and associated offices. The fitness areas where residents once lifted weights, stretched, and trained will be converted into administrative and legal workspaces. The basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts—which have hosted everything from youth leagues to adult rec nights—are slated to become formal judicial courtrooms.
These changes mean that programs typically held at The Annex, such as youth gymnastics classes and volleyball leagues, will lose their home. Without these courts and large open spaces, there will no longer be a dedicated indoor venue at The Annex where teams can practice, leagues can compete, or children can participate in structured physical activities under adult supervision. For many families, the loss of this familiar space may not be fully felt until registration for the next season comes around and the doors to The Annex are no longer open for sports.
Impact on youth and after school safety
The potential impact on local youth extends beyond the loss of a gym or a court. The Annex has functioned as a safe after school destination where young people can gather, stay active, and be around positive role models. Instead of needing a ride across town, many young residents have been able to simply walk over, meet friends, and take part in programs that promote physical health and social development.
With the transition to a courthouse, that everyday accessibility disappears. While a courthouse may serve important civic and legal functions, it does not replace the supportive environment of a youth focused community center. The absence of an easily reachable, activity-based space raises questions about where local children and teens will now go for healthy recreation, and whether alternative facilities will be provided in a similarly central, walkable location.
A call for awareness and conversation
One of the most concerning aspects of this change is that many residents still do not know it is happening. There has been little visible communication about the long-term fate of The Annex’s sports programs or about where, if anywhere, these activities might move. As decisions progress, the people most affected—families, young athletes, coaches, and league organizers— deserve a clear understanding of what is planned.
This article aims to inform the community and encourage neighbors to ask questions, share concerns, and engage with local leaders about the future of The Annex. Whether residents support or oppose the courthouse project, the loss of a central, walkable, youth-oriented space is a significant development for the area. The hope is that increased awareness will lead to a broader conversation about preserving safe, healthy spaces for children and teens, even as the county’s needs for judicial facilities continue to grow.
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