By Srianthi Perera | The Arizona Republic
Users of the Freestone Recreation Center expressed incredulity over the Goldwater Institute’s demand that Gilbert close it, while some public officials connected to the town supported the center’s role in the community.
“I can’t believe it. Why are they picking on Gilbert?” asked Darwin Siegel, a Gilbert resident who uses the fitness center for thrice-weekly workouts. “It’s a needed function for low-income people, for older people on Social Security and people on assistance.”
The watchdog group contends the town lacks the necessary legal authority to own and operate the center, and that it creates unfair competition for private fitness centers in Gilbert.
Jill Hart, who brings her three children, ages 8, 5 and 3, to the center, said that she has tried private fitness centers and is dissatisfied with their services. The play areas for children at Freestone, she added, are far better than the others she experienced.
Sharon Maiden of Gilbert, who participates in senior fitness classes at the center, said she is impressed with its offerings.
