The Total Fitness at the Habersham County Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center will remain open, rather than closing Wednesday as originally scheduled.
According to a press release from Habersham County Government, Habersham Medical Center plans to continue operating Total Fitness until March 3 to ensure a smooth transition to the county. Habersham County will then assume operations on March 6.
"Members of the Habersham County Board of Commissioners and others involved in the partnership have heard concerns from numerous residents of the county who rely on the Total Fitness program for wellness, staying fit, and social connections," the release reads.
Many who use Total Fitness do so in combination with other opportunities in the building, such as walking laps and swimming. These are activities that are not always readily available outdoors during inclement weather or cold temperatures.
Total Fitness has been open in the aquatic center since 1996 and has been operating under Habersham Medical Center.
“Adding expenses is never something we as commissioners take lightly,” said Habersham County Commission Chairman Ty Akins. “But when faced with eliminating services that complement and enhance the fitness offerings available to our residents at a facility designed to promote their wellbeing, we feel we have an obligation to keep these opportunities available.”
Habersham County Manager Alicia Vaughn said keeping the fitness offerings available through the Habersham County Parks and Recreation Department is something the county can do without a lot of added financial impact.
“Habersham Medical Center is thrilled that the county and the commissioners will continue offering the community health and wellness benefits by keeping Total Fitness open,” said Habersham Medical Center President Tyler Williams. “I know that the members will continue to use the facility and will support it for years to come.”
