Crystal Lake residents petition park district to buy Northwestern Medicine gym – Shaw Local

Jack Jacobs carry80, said Crystal Lake The Park District Board said he “didn’t mean to be dramatic,” but Northwestern Medicine Fitness Center at Crystal Lake will be closing soon It was a “decision” that could affect [his] lifespan. “

Jacobs and dozens attended a park district board meeting on Thursday to plead with park commissioners to consider purchasing the fitness center.

More than 260 people have signed a petition sent to both the Park District and Northwestern Medical Center asking them to find a way to keep the facility open.

The park commissioner has shown some support for the idea, but it is speculation and there has been no substantive discussion between Northwestern Medicine and the park district leadership on how to acquire the fitness center. I warned you.

Residents’ concerns about the closure mostly concern the fitness center’s unique facilities. Especially the heated pool, which many said was an important part of their health and fitness plan.

“I understand where Northwestern University is coming from, but the facility is more than just bricks and mortar,” Jacobs said. “It’s a great space that kept me out of my wheelchair. I don’t need to do water slides and swims. I need that therapy pool.”

Another resident, Crystal Lake’s Carol Caruso, told the park district commissioner that exercising in the therapy pool helped her avoid serious surgery on her spine.

Community members spoke for over an hour, highlighting opportunities for the park district and the potential for a senior center or new community space at Crystal Lake.

Commissioner Eric Anderson said he was not in favor of competing with the private sector for facilities such as gyms, but the heated pool offered a unique asset that could justify the involvement of the park district. I agree.

“We’re just scratching the surface right now,” Anderson said. “But if we can get Northwestern involved, this is a possibility.”

In a letter sent to members last month, Northwestern Medicine said it would discontinue fitness center services in McHenry County. Huntley position.

The Crystal Lake Fitness Center “has seen a significant decline in membership over the last six years,” said Chris King, a spokesperson for Northwestern Medicine, this week.

Park District Assistant Treasurer Jason Heisler said the stories and requests of enthusiastic community members “brought tears to my eyes” and agreed it made sense for the Park District to consider its options. Did.

Park District Finance Officer Debbie Gallagher reiterated that there have been no formal discussions between Northwestern Medicine and the Park District.

Northwestern Medicine is also “currently evaluating various options for future uses of the site,” King said.