Community offered opportunity to again get into shape at LHS

Community members will once again get an opportunity to get into shape and exercise at Lockport High School.

The Lockport City School District Board of Education held a discussion Wednesday about continuing to allow the public to use the school’s fitness center and hallway for walking.

A resolution was adopted in January to allow the use of the fitness center and hallway from Feb. 1 through May 24 this past school year.

Director of Athletics Patrick Burke presented the board with the results of the community using the center last year and recommended it continue this year.

Between Feb. 1 and May 24, 494 people sent in the health wavier to use the facility, 353 were issued a card and 2,218 people used the facility during the three-month period.

Burke said the highest number of attendance was in the colder months, when people could not exercise outside.

For last year, the cost to run the fitness center over 54 nights was $2,700, or $180 a week.

Burke suggested that for the 2012-2013 school year, the district allow the public access to the building from Nov. 1 through May 2, an additional 30 days. The cost to the district would be $3,900, a $1,200 increase.

“It really is a nice facility,” said Trustee Jon Williams, who used the facility last year. “Not only were there adults, but there was also a lot of students. It’s really a good thing for the community.”

Trustee Edward Sandell agreed, stating that though he never used the facility himself, he would walk by the fitness center and see people using and enjoying it.

“There’s a life, there’s an energy there,” said Sandell. “It’s really kind of a special thing to have that available for the public to use.”

The public using the school facility does not have an impact on the district’s insurance. Assistant Superintendent for Finance Deborah Coder said each person wanting to attend the fitness center must sign a waiver stating a person’s physician has given them permission to exercise and they are doing so at their own risk.

The center is open from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Community members, staff, students and residents can use the fitness center or walk the halls during that time. Those interested do not have to be a district resident.

Anyone wishing to participate and use the facility is required to sign a health wavier. Those doing it last year will have to fill out a new form before they are allowed access to the equipment.