Hitchcock Community Fitness Center to open May 5
After purchasing the fitness equipment formally owned by Charlotte and Garney Henley in Huron, the Hitchcock Community Fitness Center is preparing to open for business May 5.
Teri Martin, one of the six committee members spearheading the program, said the fitness center emerged after efforts to build a walking trail failed because of the cost.
When the Body Garden closed last month in Huron, the Hitchcock group decided to pursue that idea.
They purchased 10 pieces of exercise equipment from Charlotte and Garney Henley for $10,225.
Martin said they had raised $2,300 for the walking trail and got another $500 from the senior center and $3,000 from the Beadle County Extension Service.
On Saturday, the group was informed that another $500 would be donated by the HYWC group.
Lois Gordon, committee member, said the balance of the fund needed to buy the fitness equipment will come from memberships they hope to sell in the weeks ahead.
Martin said the group decided to pursue the fitness program because they felt "this would help more people."
They purchased five recovery stations and a 10-hydraulic training system.
Gordon said the group also received a change grant from the extension office that was used to purchase paint, blinds and window covering.
The fitness center is located in a building next to the old gymnasium on school property.
They are using the facility in cooperation with the Hitchcock-Tulare School System.
The building being used is in the former shop building.
Next Sunday, an open house will be held at the fitness center from noon to 4 p.m.
At that time, local and area residents are invited to come and view the equipment, consider buying a membership and enjoy healthy refreshments.
The next day, May 5, Charlotte and Garney Henley will be on hand to demonstrate the equipment. They will conduct two sessions at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
They will explain the advantages of the hydraulic exercise equipment.
A yearly membership will cost $150, Martin said. With the membership, the individual will receive a key to enter the building.
There will be no one on duty at the fitness center.
Gordon said the city of Hitchcock has agreed to purchase liability insurance for the group.
Starting next week, the fitness center will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
The facility is available to people 14 years of age and older. Those from 14 to 17 years must be accompanied by an adult.
The 10 pieces of equipment that the group bought from the Henleys include leg press, hip abduction, bicep-tricep, chest press, leg extension, pectoral fly, shoulder press, squat, rotary torso and abdominal low back.
Along with Gordon and Martin, other committee members are Esther Gilchrist, Lyza Bizler, Michelle Gilbert and Roxann DuBois.
BY: ROGER KASA
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