For nearly 15 years, fitness has been a constant in my life. Through some of the most challenging seasons, the gym has been my sanctuary, a place where I could care for both my physical and mental health. After welcoming my son, I found myself once again navigating the realities of postpartum life, something I also experienced after the birth of my daughter. Like many new mothers, I struggled with the mental and emotional toll of adjusting to my changing body and identity while caring for a newborn.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression, and regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression while improving overall mood and emotional well-being. The World Health Organization recommends that adults, including postpartum women when medically cleared, engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week to support both physical and mental health.

Despite these well-established benefits, access to fitness is not equal for everyone.

For the past several months, I have been attending my local Recreation Center with my infant safely secured in a stroller at all times. This allowed me to care for my baby while prioritizing my health during the postpartum period. Recently, I was informed that parents are no longer allowed to bring infants in strollers due to liability concerns.

Policies like this disproportionately affect postpartum parents, stay at home caregivers, and families without access to childcare. In larger cities, many gyms offer on-site childcare or family-friendly fitness options. In rural communities like ours, those options often do not exist. Public recreation facilities are frequently the only accessible and affordable option for maintaining health and wellness.

Our community is also rural and predominantly Hispanic, where obesity and related chronic health conditions are increasingly prevalent. The CDC reports that Hispanic adults experience higher rates of obesity compared to non-Hispanic white adults, making access to preventive health resources like fitness facilities even more critical. When public spaces meant to support health become inaccessible, existing health disparities are further reinforced.

As a city-operated facility, the Recreation Center plays a vital role in promoting community health. Excluding parents with infants unintentionally sends the message that caregiving and personal health cannot coexist. It also forces parents to choose between caring for their children and caring for themselves, a choice that should not exist.

This petition calls on the city and the Recreation Center to revise their current policy and adopt reasonable, inclusive alternatives that balance safety with accessibility. These solutions could include designated stroller-friendly hours, liability waivers, or designated areas within the gym.

By signing this petition, you are supporting equitable access to fitness, postpartum mental health, and family wellness. Supporting parents supports children, and supporting families strengthens the entire community.

Please sign and share this petition to help ensure that fitness and wellness are accessible to all families, regardless of childcare availability.