Fairview Park mayor targets June 15 for Gemini Center reopening

The Gemini Center in Fairview Park

The Gemini Center in Fairview Park. (John Benson, special to cleveland.com)

FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- More than two months after COVID-19 forced the closing of all gyms and fitness centers, Gov. Mike DeWine last week announced required safety guidelines allowing facilities to reopen beginning May 26.

While such news naturally has Gemini Center members excited about the prospect of exercise, Mayor Patrick Cooney is exercising caution of his own regarding the popular venue’s June 15 reopening date.

“We’re going to have a staggered opening of parts of the building, with the fitness floor being the first section,” Cooney said.

After hearing DeWine’s news, the mayor was joined earlier this week by members of his administration at the Gemini Center for a collective discussion about safety protocol as it relates to the reopening of the facility in a limited capacity.

During its closure, the building has been deep-cleaned and undergone maintenance.

“It’s going to be a challenge to keep residents, members and employees safe because it’s such a busy facility,” Cooney said. “Obviously, there’s a social distancing aspect and the cleaning regimen. Operationally, we have fans (that) circulate air that we’re probably not going to use in the short term.

“Also, we have two sets of stairs that lead up in our second-floor (exercise) facility. So there’s going to be one set of stairs for up, one for down. It’s those types of challenges that you have to physically get in there and work out," he said.

Capacity is another issue, with the mayor noting that the Gemini Center pre-pandemic was busy weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Not only is a limited schedule expected, but signing-in logistics need to be worked out. This may include reserving a time, as well as scheduling a mid-morning senior citizen-only block.

“The cardio machines are the most popular, which is a problem from a social distancing standpoint,” Cooney said. “For instance, we’ll have six machines in a row with members using the odd number machines while the evens are out of operation.

“We’ll rotate those on a regular basis. Also, we may add a shorter time limit per each machine so more people can use them.”

Cooney said furniture will need to be removed or sectioned off to eliminate people from congregating.

“There will be changes, too,” Cooney said. “I fully anticipate -- even though all of the planning we do -- once you get into the operations like this, you’re going to have to make adjustments, which I hope people understand.

“Also, everyone is going to have to pitch in and do all of the stuff that’s recommended to keep everyone safe.”

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