Fitness Clubs Get a Break in Fees at City Parks

The City Council on Monday voted to amend Pasadena’s general fee schedule to ease the economic impacts of the pandemic on Pasadena families who participate in an after school program and private fitness clubs, whose members can work out in local parks.

Fitness studios will need to comply with insurance requirements, pay a refundable security deposit, possess a current Pasadena business license, and obtain a permit.

“The nature of the business lends itself to operating outside. Some fitness clubs have access to a parking lot where they have been able to continue operations. However, those that don’t have such access could operate in city parks,” according to a staff report.

“Because they still have rent and other overhead costs, suspension of the park rental fees, which vary from $57 – $174 per hour, would allow fitness businesses to generate some revenue. In addition, their customers would be able to engage in healthy physical activity.”

The current health orders prohibit fitness clubs and gyms from operating indoors, which has caused many of these businesses to cease operations and furlough or lay off employees.

The move is consistent with other city actions waiving or reducing fees for businesses operating on streets, in alleyways, parklets and municipal parking lots.

According to a report in Monday’s City Council agenda, the After School Adventures Program (ASAP) is partnering with LEARNs, the Pasadena Unified School District’s after school program, to provide all-day supervision for a limited number of PUSD students on 12 campuses.

The council voted to create a modified $30 after school fee and canceled an additional $25 registration fee.

“The After School Adventures Program Registration Fee, $25, shall remain suspended for as long as the Modified (COVID) After School Program fee is in place. At the appropriate time, staff will return to the City Council for approval to reinstate this suspended registration fee,” according to a staff report signed by Human Service and Recreation Department Director Brenda Harvey-Williams.

If the PUSD moves to a hybrid model or an in-person model for instruction during the school year, ASAP will modify its programming accordingly and evaluate the need for the modified after school fee.