Parents, athletes urge Council to preserve Recreation Center gymnastics program

During the public comment period, numerous speakers urged the Council to preserve the gymnasium space and the Twisters gymnastics program in any Recreation Center renovation plan. Rita Law, speaking for parents, said the gymnastics and youth indoor sports programs generate substantial revenue for the city through tuition without requiring City subsidy and asked that any renovation preserve the gymnasium and youth programming. Several former and current participants and program coaches—Lenna Law, Olivia Hunziker, Alison Tauali'i (reading for her sister Joselyn), Karin Tauali'i, Michelle Anderson, Whitney Wilkins and Kenadi Whitely—described long-term benefits including college opportunities, coaching pathways and personal development gained through the program.

Speakers emphasized the program's affordability and the lack of comparable local alternatives for competitive gymnastics. The public appealed to the Council to ensure facility improvements protect these programs, noting that repurposing the gymnasium could displace existing revenue-generating offerings and limit access for families. Council members acknowledged the comments; no recreational-facility action was taken at the meeting, and speakers were invited to meet with staff and Council members to provide further input as renovation planning continues.