Gymnastic Centers Fight for the Right to Reopen In-Person

Union City, CA (September 14, 2020) – Under the leadership of one local small business owner, California gymnastic centers are rallying together to safely reopen in-person instruction. Evelyn Paradis, owner of Pacific West Gymnastics in Union City and Fremont, has collected over 10,000 signatures for her petition to the state to reclassify gymnastics centers and allow them to safely reopen their facilities, garnering support from all 50 US States, plus 34 other countries. The petition and its supporting documentation were submitted to California representatives Monday, September 14th.

Under current state classifications, gymnastics centers that serve children are treated the same as adult gyms and fitness centers. In California, all facilities classified as gyms have been under mandated closures for six months. A reclassification would separate the two types of gyms, recognizing the key differences in services offered.

Pointing to a survey of 241 gymnastic centers across 39 states, Paradis explains that gymnastics lessons for children can be held safely indoors by following proven protocols, including mask-wearing, increased facility sanitizing, and physical distancing. “Within our large training facilities, participants are traditionally spaced more than six feet apart. This naturally allows for safe movement and productive learning without physical contact with others. We also already adhere to low coach-to-student ratios as part of our regular operations.”

Additionally, Paradis says that gymnastics centers are typically well over 10,000 square feet with open airflow and enhanced ventilation. “There’s no question that our facilities can accommodate a safe reopening for offering instruction in person. Collectively, we are ready to implement the measures needed to ensure our participants’ safety. But we need the state of California to support us and allow our businesses to survive.”

To review the full petition statement, visit  https://www.change.org/p/gavin-newsom-reopen-and-reclassify-california-gymnastics-centers. To learn more about how the gymnastics community is supporting one another, visit https://www.facebook.com/reopengymnastics.

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