Forks Revamps Exercise Room

Forks Township is hoping that residents looking to break a sweat will stop by the township Community Center’s exercise room and give it a spin. Officials also are hoping the new equipment will help boost declining membership numbers.

The center recently replaced several pieces of equipment and now has new ellipticals, treadmills, steppers and bicycles -- 14 in all.

As part of the unveiling, the center is offering a three-day trial. Those interested in signing up for membership will also have the normal $60 orientation fee waived if they sign up between now and the end of June. 

Membership fees range from $45 to $60 quarterly for residents and $60 to $90 for non-residents. There is also $5 drop-in fee. 

The township purchased the equipment in March, replacing the old equipment that was more than a decade old. The new equipment cost around $41,000. The township will also receive a credit of $3,200 for trading in the old equipment. The weight equipment, which is in fair condition, will remain.

One-third of the funds to pay for the new equipment comes from this year’s recreation budget. The remaining funds would be included in the recreation budgets over the next two years, according to township officials.

Township officials are hoping the new equipment will also stir up interest in the center.

In 2006, membership was more than 200. As of March, membership was just under 70, according to parks and recreation director Rachel Sulzbach.