To the editor:
I have been noticing recently that the high school community fitness center is beginning to take on the look of an athletic training facility. In addition to the current three squat racks, five new power racks and benches have been added, and one of the old bench press racks has been returned to the facility.
There were enough bench press stations and squat racks before this new equipment was purchased. Why get rid of perfectly good equipment? My understanding as to why the old bench press station was returned is because there were complaints about having it removed. As a matter of fact, the old bench press stations did not need to be replaced, they were perfectly fine. A couple of them could have been moved to the lower level weight room and replaced with more life fitness equipment.
Given the fact that there is an athletic weight room in the basement at the high school with nine power racks already in place, why duplicate this equipment in the community fitness center? Why not add equipment that is conducive to use by community members and general physical education classes.? The addition of an assisted pull-up/dip machine and a couple of rowing machines would have been a much better use of the money spent and would be in line with the goal of lifelong fitness.
Instead of spending $10,000-$15,000 (estimate) on equipment that gets minimal use, the money could have been spent on two rowing machines at a cost of $4,400-$5,400 and a weight assisted chin/dip machine at a cost of $3,900. Three of the old bench press stations could have been moved to the athletic weight room downstairs, and several could have remained in the fitness center. The only cost then would have been approximately $8,300-$9,300. Replacing the old equipment was a waste of money, in my opinion.
At the time of the referendum, we sold this facility to the community as a community fitness center, so that we could get it passed in the referendum. Let’s keep the focus where it belongs.
James Kammerzelt,
Oconto Falls
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