Orland Park's Sportsplex Defies Governor's Order, Opens Early

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CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Fitness centers are not open for more than one-on-one training in Illinois under Phase 3 of the Governor’s reopening plan, but one southwestern suburb has decided to defy the Governor’s order.

Since Tuesday, the village of Orland Park’s Sportsplex has been open to members for classes and workouts.  

Mayor Keith Pekau has been at odds with Governor Pritzker about the timeline for reopening businesses and decided to open playgrounds and the Sportsplex, because they’re not licensed by the state.

"In our opinion, this is as far as we could push without facing retaliation," Pekau said in a video message to residents this week.  

Pekau also pointed out that he and the village board have decided to sue the Governor over his executive order and reopening plan.

.@VillageOrlandPk has defied @GovPritzker and has opened its Sportsplex fitness center for classes and working out. That’s not supposed to happen until Phase 4 of the governor’s plan. Illinois is still in Phase 3. More @WBBMNewsradio and the @RadioDotCom app. pic.twitter.com/5LPFbkweC2

— Bernie Tafoya (@BernieTafoya) June 18, 2020

Sportsplex members who want to use the facility must first sign a waiver that they won’t hold the village liable if they contract COVID-19. Members WBBM Newsradio's Bernie Tafoya spoke with had no problem with that, including a senior citizen named Eileen.

"I have no concerns at all," she said.

The village said the Sportsplex has enhanced its cleaning procedures, alternates equipment that can be used from day to day, has more cleaning stations, and its employees wear masks. Members are not required to.

Trace Robinson said he loves being back at the Sportsplex, which was shutdown in mid-March.

"It’s clean. There’s distance. They’re using every other machine. Everyone in there is wearing a mask except the people working out, obviously, but it’s been good," Robinson said.

Robinson was among those questioning the Governor's handling of the pandemic reopening.

"It’s about time. We’ve stabilized for quite a while and the mayor finally said, 'Let’s go. Let’s get back to our economy and let’s get things moving again,'" he said.

"Kind of interesting that marijuana can be an essential. Liquor can be an essential, but taking care of your health can’t be."

Others also did not think much of the Governor’s handling of the pandemic reopening, but 81-year-old Joe credited the Governor for trying. Joe is glad to be back working out, playing volleyball, and seeing friends.

"You can’t stay home all year round. I’ve been home for three months. I go crazy," he said.

Fitness clubs are not supposed to open for inside workouts until Phase 4 and then, with limited capacity. Illinois is still in Phase 3.

The Sportsplex said it has "taken all necessary steps to get our fitness center up and running" again.

Among those steps, the Sportsplex said in a letter to members:
  • Facility has undergone a full sanitizing/fogging
  • Implemented enhanced cleaning protocols
  • Ensured equipment usage distancing
  • Identifying every other cardio equipment to be used on certain days
  • Established over 20 visible cleaning stations with disinfecting cleanser to wipe down equipment before/after use for members
  • Accessible antibacterial cleanser for hand washing
  • Specific marked entrance and exits for patrons
  • Plexiglas guards placed at all our desks for protection between staff and patrons
  • Face masks will be worn by employees. It is not required, but recommended for members and class participants to wear face masks while in the building
  • Regular hours will resume (Monday-Friday 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
  • Fitness Center will be open for members and program participants.
  • Locker rooms will be available with social distancing recommendations.
  • No towel service will be available - please bring your own.
  • No Drop-In Open Gym/Field usage – Members will be allowed to use gym/field area while maintaining social distancing.
  • Indoor track will be available to members and residents.
  • Rentals will resume with ten (10) or less participants.
  • No Drop-In Group Exercise at this time – Classes will resume June 29.
  • Rock Wall and Kidzroom Childcare will remain closed until further notice.