Am.F. to upgrade fitness center

AMERICAN FORK -- Earlier this year the city discussed the possibility of shutting down the American Fork Fitness Center in the future.

Recent talk, however, has turned to spending money to expand the fitness center instead.

In January, city officials said the fitness center operated at a loss of $300,000 in 2004 -- a deficit the city could not afford to continue.

At a recent meeting, however, by a vote of 3-2, the American Fork City Council approved an appropriation of $5.7 million of redevelopment agency funds for upgrades and renovations of several of the city's recreation and arts facilities, including the troubled fitness center.

Of the $5.7 million, $2.8 will go specifically to the fitness center for expansion.

The rest of the money will be used to upgrade City Hall, renovate the city's outdoor amphitheater and boat harbor, and to construct a skate park.

Specifically, construction of two new gymnasiums and an outdoor pool geared toward the younger crowd are slated for the fitness center.

One of the center's main residents is the Hilltop Aquatic Swim Team, which uses the fitness center's pool from 5:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The possibility of evicting the swim team was being considered earlier this year by the city.

Because of the swim team's long hours in the pool, other pool patrons have complained about having to compete with the swim team for pool time.

With more than 200 members -- 40 of whom hold annual memberships to the fitness center -- the swim team feels the city cannot afford to lose it as a tenant.

"We are still in the process of meeting with the team's coaches," city chief of staff Melanie Marsh told the Deseret Morning News. "We are very supportive of the Hilltop Aquatic Swim Team and are confident we will be able to meet their needs while meeting the city's at the same time."

None of the fitness center's current programs are being considered for elimination while, at the same time, none are being added, Marsh said.

E-mail: kmartinez@desnews.com

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