Duane Hicks
A group of local gym users want improvements to the weight room at the Memorial Sports Centre.
During a public budget meeting Monday night, spokesperson Ian McKay told town council there are health and safety concerns that need to be addressed.
The Memorial Sports Centre is a hub of our community, said McKay, adding from infant to senior, residents walk through its doors at one time or another.
A total of 20 gym members have stepped forward and submitted key issues they’ve identified to be addressed, he noted.
These include:
•Dumb-bells present a major risk factor.
They’re welded together and the bolts are stripped so they’re not able to tightened.
The welds cut hands open and leave rust on clothing.
•The pulley system plates stick together and people have crushed their fingers.
Nuts have not been tightened and with hundreds of pounds of weight under pressure, the wear and tear will be consistent without proper maintenance.
•Some benches are unstable and not straight, or even bolted down, leading to risk of tipping or adjusting the weight incorrectly.
This could be a significant hazard if someone was ill-prepared.
Members have purchased mats to put under wobbly benches but the benches should be replaced.
•Equipment cleaning procedures need to be improved.
•Heat in the new sauna has caused some boards to expand and nails to come loose and fall out.
This should be brought up to code.
•Children are being left unattended and hanging on doors.
McKay said the issues have led to about 10 gym members leaving and taking their business to International Falls.
“This is not an easy choice,” he remarked.
“I know many of them attended your gym for many years, and I feel that these improvements are ready to happen.”
While the group has been asked why they don’t just switch gyms, McKay said he’s more interested in helping make the town gym a better facility.
McKay presented council with a petition, conducted through Change.org, supported by about 350 individuals.
“We are just looking for your support and we are looking to make changes,” he reasoned.
McKay added the upgraded Sportsplex has been here for 25 years and talking to some past gym members, some issues have not changed all that much.
“All we are asking for is small changes to improve the health and safety of our facility, and offer our town new growth potential, as well,” he said.
Council referred McKay’s concerns to the Community Services executive committee for its recommendation.
