Limited bathroom access at St. Joseph REC Center raising concern

By Leah Rainwater

A patron is questioning a decision to restrict usage of the restrooms at the city’s fitness facility.

Even though St. Joseph REC Center offers 24-hour gym access, after business hours, its indoor restrooms are closed to the public, and one man is questioning the safety of the practice.

The REC has provided 24-hour access to its fitness center for years, however, there is no indoor bathroom access for those who want to use the gym after business hours.

Although, there is an outdoor portable toilet available for use.

St. Joseph resident Chad Collins brought this to the attention of city management.

When he first bought his membership to the REC, he was prompted to sign a form.

”They kind of started doing this and they had us sign this paper,” said Collins. ”It was kind of odd to us that they had has sign it stating that they weren’t going to supply us the restroom.”

Collins said he and his friends used the fitness center at the REC daily…but were finally fed up with not having access to an indoor bathroom.

”Four years later and they’re still saying the funds aren’t there…” Collins said. ”Well, how come other gyms can’t do the same thing?”

Upon investigation, Collins said he spoke to another local gym owner, who wasn’t allowed to open unless he had exit signs, access to restrooms while patrons were using the facility and a million-dollar insurance coverage.

The city goes by the 2018 International Building Code guidelines when it comes to building upkeep.

Code 2902.3 states, “For structures and tenant spaces intended for public utilization, customers, patrons and visitors shall be provided with public toilet facilities. Employees associated with structures and tenant spaces shall be provided with toilet facilities.”

In regards to the porta potty available after the REC’s business hours, Collins said it’s unsafe.

”I would not let my girlfriend go out there at night and use the restroom,” said Collins. “There’s several men that won’t even go there.”

Collins said he’s also concerned for those who do use the porta-potty as colder weather approaches.

Collins also raised concerns about the number of people utilizing the fitness center during after-hours.

Upon speaking to a Chief at the St. Joseph Fire Department regarding only one entrance and exit to the center.

”He had stated and I asked him about that, about the fire code, and he had stated that more than 49 people in there, that’s a fire hazard with that one door,” said Collins.

A 2020 annual report stated that 1,203 fitness memberships were sold at the REC. Collins is concerned about the fact that there could be more than 49 people in the fitness center during after-hours.

”I mean, I understand they don’t have the funds, they don’t have the members,” said Collins. But if you’re not up to code, you shouldn’t be running.”

News-Press NOW received the following statement from the city in response to a request for more information:

”The City is aware of Mr. Collins’ complaint and understands he has expressed an intent to hire legal counsel for representation. The City is awaiting to hear from his counsel and has no further comment.”

Collins mentioned that he has not yet sought legal counsel and wants to keep his options open.

It’s brought up in the 2023 Parks and Rec Annual Report that one challenge the REC center faces is hiring and retaining staff.