Residents press Coconut Creek to keep South Creek fitness center open; manager apologizes for short notice

Dozens of residents turned out at the June commission meeting to protest short notice that CreekFit would close; the commission responded by extending the facilityoperation through Sept. 30 and asking staff to develop alternatives to a permanent closure.

Mayor Wasserman opened the meeting by acknowledging resident concern and saying the city listens when decisions affect the community. "When people are used to something, and the rug is pulled out from under them within a 48-hour time span, I'm not okay with it," the mayor said, urging a careful review and public process. Commissioners echoed the concern and thanked residents for engaging.

City Manager Sheila Rose apologized to residents for pulling the closure trigger quickly and said the elevator had been down multiple times that year, creating an accessibility and liability concern. "I do certainly apologize. I apologize to the residents for pulling the trigger so quickly," Rose said. She estimated that a full elevator replacement could be in the $150,000to $200,000 range and that piston replacement would cost roughly $100,000 with as long as a 12-month lead time for parts; meanwhile staff will perform repairs as failures occur but warned the elevator will likely experience recurring breakdowns until fully rebuilt.

Residents who spoke during public comment explained how the fitness room supports seniors, retirees and others who rely on weight-bearing exercise and low-impact cardiovascular equipment. Amanda Tang, a long-time South Creek resident, urged the city to explore lower-cost operational options such as reducing the number of cardio machines, using waivers, or providing limited supervision rather than shutting the room entirely: "Before eliminating a valued community resource, we respectfully ask that we fully explore reasonable alternatives that reduce costs while preserving access," she said.

Commissioners asked staff for options to reduce operating costs, explore creative staffing or equipment strategies, and to present ideas when the city prepares the August budget. The commissionagreed to keep the gym open through September while staff develops a longer-term proposal.

Next steps: staff will collect data and proposals for the commission's budget discussions in August, evaluate repair timelines and costs, and report options for maintaining access without unmanageable ongoing cost burdens.