LifeTime Fitness Framingham has long been a cornerstone for fitness enthusiasts and athletes alike, especially for members who cherish the camaraderie and health benefits garnered from playing basketball. Unfortunately, the recent announcement to remove the last remaining basketball court—scheduled for December 7th, 2025—with less than one month’s notice has left us not only saddened but concerned for the community's well-being.

Basketball is more than just a game; it’s a social and physical outlet that fosters teamwork, discipline, and a strong sense of community. This court isn't merely a facility, but a place where friendships are built and healthy habits are nurtured. Its removal would not only devastate current players and enthusiasts but would also undermine the health and community spirit LifeTime Fitness promotes.

For many of us, this court is a sanctuary from daily stresses and a centerpiece of our social lives. Its removal could lead to a significant reduction in physical activity among members, especially those who rely on this space for regular exercise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular physical activity is one of the most beneficial things individuals can do for their health, aiding in weight control, reducing the risk of chronic disease, and improving mental health. Removing this court could negate these benefits for many in our community.

We understand that operational changes and realignments are sometimes necessary, but we urge LifeTime Fitness Framingham and Life Time Inc. Leadership to reconsider this decision. We propose exploring alternative solutions, such as:

1. Reallocating resources or modifying existing facilities to accommodate the basketball community.
2. Performing a feasibility study to assess the potential impact on membership and community engagement.
3. Engaging with members to discuss possible arrangements, such as adjusted scheduling or refurbishing other spaces to include multipurpose courts that accommodate basketball.

Why This Matters
At the start of 2024, LifeTime Framingham had two full basketball courts, serving hundreds of members, families, and local athletes. Earlier this year, one court was removed and replaced with a pickleball area. Now, LifeTime has announced the removal of the second—and final—basketball court, eliminating the only high-quality indoor basketball space for miles.

This decision harms the entire community:

1. Loss of Essential Space for Kids & Families
The basketball court doubles as a safe, active space for Lifetime Kids Academy, youth programs, and camps. 

Removing it limits options for local children, teens, and families—especially during winter months.

2. Diminished Value for Members Paying Premium Prices
LifeTime Framingham is one of the highest-priced gyms in the region:

$280+/month for an individual

$600–$700+/month for a family of four

Members choose LifeTime because of its facilities and amenities. Removing the basketball court without meaningful notice drastically reduces this value.

3. Basketball Serves a Broader, More Diverse Community
Basketball attracts and supports:

-Young adults and teens
-Families
-Local athletes
-BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community members
-Pickup leagues
-After-work groups
-Weekend players of all ages

It is an affordable, inclusive, multi-generational sport. Replacing it with more pickleball courts primarily serves a narrow demographic and does not generate extra revenue, as pickleball does not require additional paid access.

4. A Community Asset Should Not Be Eliminated
Indoor basketball courts are increasingly rare in the MetroWest area. LifeTime Framingham has served as a community anchor, offering:

A safe place for youth, youth don’t play Pickleball
Reliable space for pickup games
A gathering spot that promotes connection, teamwork, and active lifestyles
Taking away the final court removes a resource many rely on.

We believe that with collaborative effort, a solution exists that could satisfy operational needs without compromising the health and happiness of a significant portion of the membership. This is an urgent matter not just for us, but for the legacy of the community spirit that LifeTime Fitness stands to foster.

Our Request
We respectfully ask LifeTime to:

Stop or pause the scheduled removal of the remaining basketball court;
OR
Delay the decision until meaningful community consultation can occur;
OR
Provide an alternative solution that preserves at least one full basketball court for members and children.

Our Goal
We aim to gather at least 500 signatures from LifeTime members and local residents who believe this is the wrong direction for the club and our community.

We Stand Together to Protect Our Community Court
Please reconsider this decision. Basketball at LifeTime Framingham is not simply an amenity — it is a community foundation, a space for youth development, a place of connection, and a core reason many of us choose LifeTime and pay its premium membership prices.

Please join us in standing up for our court and our community. Sign this petition to urge LifeTime Fitness Framingham and Life Time Inc. Leadership to keep our basketball court intact and accessible.