Press Release – June 4, 2020

Programs begin June 8 at Vaughan, Prisco and Eola centers

AURORA – In accordance with Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois approach to safely reopen the state, the Fox Valley Park District is set to begin offering in-person Fox Fitness programs, albeit with a new look and feel.

Beginning Monday, June 8, “Outdoor Workouts” will be held daily (weather permitting) at each of the District’s three fitness facilities – the Vaughan Athletic Center and Prisco and Eola community centers. These programs will be available to all current Fox Fitness members only.

“We realize the importance of offering fitness opportunities to our members, not only for their physical well-being, but also mental and emotional well-being,” said Brett Meier, general manager of Fox Fitness. “We wanted to be first out of the gate in offering fitness classes and opportunities to our community.”

With its members’ health and safety the top priority, Meier said, the District will continue to adhere to guidelines set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.

Pre-registration is required and workout offerings include:

  • Outdoor Group Exercise Classes at Vaughan, Prisco and Eola: Limited to 10 participants per class, members can partake in Group Ex classes ($5 per class) and Yoga ($6 per class). All participants must bring their own equipment for classes. For those in need of equipment – such as resistance bands or yoga mat, block and strap – kits for each class can be purchased online.
  • Outdoor Workouts at Vaughan: A $5 fee will allow members to work out for one hour with access to tires, sledgehammers, sled, plyometric boxes, rowing machines, battle ropes, punching bags and sandbags.
  • Personal Training at Vaughan and Eola (for current clients only): One-on-one, indoor personal training sessions will be limited to 30 minutes to allow for cleaning prior to the next appointment. Members must arrive in workout attire, for there will not be access to locker rooms or saunas. Face coverings will be required when within six feet of others and whenever members are not exercising.

“We’re excited to begin offering workout opportunities for our members during this first phase of reopening our fitness programs and facilities,” said Jaime Ijams, the FVPD’s director of recreation. “At the same time, our members’ well-being remains the focal point of everything we do and every decision we make. This format is obviously a new endeavor for both staff and members, so we’ll make any needed adjustments as we go.

“We’ll certainly continue to practice proper social distancing and sanitation, but it will be so refreshing to interact with each other in person again.”

In mid-March, FVPD officials closed all District facilities and suspended all Fox Fitness memberships and EFT billings, along with extending “paid in full” memberships. Ijams stressed that membership status will remain unchanged “until we reopen completely,” she said. “These new workout programs are a one-time cost per session, so members can rest assured that their membership accounts will remain suspended.”

Additionally, Outdoor Workouts will not take place during inclement weather. The District uses Rainout Line to announce event cancellations, which will be posted at least one hour prior to a class or session. Refunds will be automatically processed for any canceled workout as a credit on members’ household accounts and will be refunded to the original form of payment after 30 days if not used, Ijams said.

For more information or to register for upcoming classes, visit foxfitness.info/outdoor-workouts.