FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – Members of Courts Plus Community Fitness recently came together, raising concerns regarding the building’s condition, equipment maintenance, and changes to program scheduling.
Users of the fitness center, located at 3491 S University Drive in Fargo, spoke in front of Fargo Park District officials during their September 9th board meeting.
The Fargo Park District owns and operates Courts Plus, a one-stop-shop for tennis, pickleball, and several other programs.
Programs that are now proving difficult to attend, according to some gym members.
“The last time I was playing, it was so hot and humid in there, I was actually concerned for the health of some of the individuals that were playing,” said Fargo resident, Amy Phillips.
She said parts of the building has no air-conditioning, which she fears as a possible health-risk for gym users.
Phillips cited poor equipment maintenance, and other damages throughout the facility.
“Some people have wondered if there’s mold on the ceilings and the walls because there’s dark brown spots everywhere,” she explained.
Other Courts Plus members added onto the conversation of possible health-risks within the building.
Daniel Rice, of Fargo, said, “I’m afraid somebody is going to have a heart attack in that facility because it’s just unbearably hot and humid in there.”
A whirlwind of concerns, recent changes in tennis scheduling has forced some members to stop playing altogether.
Members like JoAnn Bakken have played tennis at Courts Plus for decades. She said recent limitations to how many players can participate at a time resulted in matches between players of different skill sets.
“It’s not fun anymore. When you’re playing against somebody that’s so hard or somebody that doesn’t know the game, it’s not fun… This is one of the first Tuesdays in 20 years I’m not playing tennis,” Bakken said.
In response to these concerns, The Fargo Park District provided Valley News Live with a statement that reads:
“We appreciate the community bringing forward their concerns regarding the courts and Courts Plus. Fargo Park District leadership is taking this feedback seriously. Park district leadership will be meeting directly with community members to better understand their concerns. The purpose of these meetings is to listen, gather information and determine the best way forward.
We are committed to working together toward solutions that best serve our community and Courts Plus members, while also balancing needs with available resources and budget considerations.”
Near the end of the public comment period, the Courts Plus users focused on positives of the facility, including friendly staff, and a newly-surfaced parking lot. However, they all agreed they expect better conditions for the money they pay for their monthly memberships.
“It’s a little over $1,000 dollars a year to play pickleball a couple times a week. That’s a lot,” added Rice.
No word yet on exactly when Fargo Parks plans to meet with community members to further address these concerns.
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