Kenai parent asks commission to lower weight room age limit

A Kenai parent asked the Parks and Recreation Commission Thursday to lower the age for independent weight room access at the Kenai Recreation Center, arguing the current policy pushes youth to neighboring communities.

Angie Kramer, a Kenai resident, told the commission the recreation center requires parental supervision for users ages 12 to 16, while facilities in Nikiski and private gyms allow younger athletes to train independently with parental consent beginning at age 13. She requested the commission allow independent access for ages 14 and older.

"I'm frustrated that I have to send my family to neighboring communities to access opportunities that are unavailable here due to restrictive policies," Kramer said. "Many other Kenai residents are doing the same. Let's encourage participants and make the most of our facilities, not push young adults elsewhere."

Kramer cited several area facilities with lower age limits. Nikiski Rec Center allows independent access at 14 and older, Black River Fitness at 13 and older, Fitness Place at 14 and older, and All American Training at 13 and older.

Kramer said her 16-year-old son had been turned away from the weight room without parental consent. "As you see tonight, there were three people using the gym," she said. "When he was turned away to use the weight room, there were zero people in the facility using it."

Parks and Recreation Director Tyler Best said the current policy was operationally mandated, not driven by insurance requirements. He said past complaints about misbehaving youth had been a factor in policy discussions.

Best said he will include Kramer's formal letter and a motion for the commission to consider in the next meeting packet. The commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for September 3. The August meeting had previously been canceled.

Commissioner discussion indicated no major legal barrier had been identified, though Best said there was operational disagreement between himself and Kramer on the issue.