Monterey Sports Center reopens as county moves to red tier

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) Gyms are opening at 10% capacity now that Monterey County has moved into the less restrictive red tier.

The Monterey Sports Center opened its doors to customers again on Monday, with indoor equipment set up to accommodate around 140 people in compliance with health and safety guidelines. The sports center was one of the first places to close in the beginning of the pandemic, even being forced to lay off some employees.

"Thank God it's open," says Marina resident, Domenick Feola.

Community members said they couldn't wait to hit the weight room and treadmills, including some of the community's most vulnerable like 80-year-old Feola.

“People need to get out of their homes, I mean this is getting ridiculous. they need to get out and work out because if the don’t they get depressed, they go on drugs and that’s whats happening," says Feola.

Changes had to be made at the Monterey Sports Center, such as reducing and spreading apart equipment along with added signage and sanitizing products to ensure safety.

For COVID-19 survivor and Seaside resident Autumn Fedo, this was enough to give her some peace of mind.

 "I don’t, personally, don’t have any safety concerns and now it just makes you want to get more active and stuff again," says Fedo.

Staff at the sports center say cleanliness is the number one rule.

“What we want is for our members to be considerate of other members so after using equipment, we want you to use one of the disinfectant wipes we display all over the facility," says facility attendant Eldrin Arelis.

Arelis says he has worked at the sports center for three years and is grateful to have his job during these trying times.

Staff say they have been able to hire back a few former employees, but reopening means they will also have new job opportunities available.

“Front desk attendants, lifeguards, sports specialists, including summer camps and swim instructors, we hope that as we continue through all of the tiers that we will continue to grow our hours and our programs and our services," says Parks and Recreation Director Karen Larson.

For more information on memberships and job openings, visit https://www.monterey.org/sportscenter