SAVE OUTDOOR FITNESS in San Francisco!

By signing this petition, you're letting Mayor London Breed, our Supervisors, and SF Rec and Park know that outdoor permit programs must continue for the survival of these small businesses and the communities they serve. 

In March 2020, the City of San Francisco shut down due to the Coronavirus pandemic. While many small businesses were forced to temporarily shut down, some were more affected than others. In particular, the fitness industry faced severe challenges. Negative PR about the spread of Covid in gyms, the mass exodus of SF residents, California fires, and high rents all contributed to massive financial hardships. In addition, gyms and fitness studios were ordered to remain closed only to find out that The City’s gyms had been open to city officials and employees the whole time. 

With survival threatened, gym owners quickly shifted to virtual and outdoor fitness offerings. Many studios had to take out loans, adding to their growing debt. Transitioning to new business models was a massive expense but there was no choice: bear the expense or shut down. 

Fitness studios moved outdoors to parks and basketball courts in order to survive and continue servicing their clients and communities. It did not take long for Rec and Park to notice and then impose a permit program which added to the costs of already struggling small businesses. Once again these businesses were forced to pay the price in order to keep their doors open, employ their staff, and serve their communities. 

The City of San Francisco continues to add to the hardships of small studios. SF Rec and Park is now considering ending the outdoor fitness permits despite the pleas and huge investments made by studio owners. Rec and Park has already started canceling permits for some studios. 

Small gyms and studios are hanging by a thread. Even though classes can now resume indoors, gyms are still not allowed to open anywhere near capacity. To make it worse, many clients still don’t feel comfortable returning to indoor exercise. Without City permits granting use of outdoor spaces, gym owners will lose more income and go deeper into debt. Employees will lose their jobs. Recovery will not be possible and chances of permanent closure will rise. While big corporate gyms have the capital to survive and recover, small studios will close, or at best, suffer for years to come. 

The pandemic has taken a massive emotional and physical toll on our society. Small gyms and studios are among the pillars of our neighborhoods and provide so much more than just a workout. Independent fitness studios create a safe space and enhance the community. Their classes and programs encourage social connection and improve mental health. Despite facing massive struggles, they continue to find ways to provide services to our communities. These studios have a deeper investment in the neighborhoods where they reside, working not just to provide services but also to create a positive impact on life in San Francisco. 

By signing this petition, you're letting Mayor London Breed, our Supervisors, and SF Rec and Park know that outdoor permit programs must continue for the survival of these small businesses and the communities they serve.