Residents urge council to preserve Fitness Center gymnastics and Twisters program

Several residents urged the American Fork City Council to preserve the Fitness Center gymnasium and the Twisters gymnastics program as the council considers $4 million in Fitness Center improvements as part of the FY 2027 interim budget process. Joseph Call, speaking during the public hearing, suggested redirecting the $4 million toward planning or constructing a new recreation facility, saying “a modern recreation facility would better serve the City's projected population growth and the surrounding region.”

Longtime Fitness Center staff and families warned renovations could displace established youth programs. Michelle Anderson, a Fitness Center daycare employee of nearly 20 years, asked the Council to preserve gymnastics, preschool and other youth programming and said those services provide critical support for parents. Rita Law, speaking for families who participate, said the gymnasium “is already fully utilized by gymnastics, tumbling, cheer, ninja, and other youth programs that serve hundreds of children” and argued the space is specialized and cannot be easily relocated. Alina Degroff, representing the Twisters program, added the recreation-based program has produced high-performing athletes and fosters inclusivity in the region.

Mayor Bradley J. Frost invited a show of hands and staff recorded 31 attendees in favor of preserving the gymnastics program. The requests from residents included preserving program space, maintaining affordability and exploring options that would allow continued public-safety investment while protecting existing youth programming. The Council did not take an immediate policy vote on the Fitness Center; the budget and design considerations remain under staff review.