Fitness center in city hall being proposed for 2017 budget

Area would be for government employees

La Crosse’s city hall could be adding a 24-hour fitness area for some government employees.

Fitness equipment – New treadmills and stationary bicycles – could be added in the basement – is being proposed as part of the 2017 budget.

“I’ve talked to our police officers, they’re under a huge amount of stress,” La Crosse parks and rec. director Steve Carlyon said. “Not necessarily the from what the day-to-day activities going on, but what’s going on in our nation. And they need outlets. They need places to go, to let that go, so that doesn’t build up.”

Carlyon added that the gym addition would follow a positive example being set by private employers such as Logistics Health.

“LHI has walking groups that go out every day,” Carlyon said. “They have a fitness center, where people go in there – an exercise area – where they don’t talk about work anymore. They just get involved in some physical activity, get their heart rate going.”

Commission member James Cherf worries that establishing a wellness center inside city hall might unfairly compete with similar private businesses in the downtown area, however.