City of Riverside gyms, fitness centers and places of worship can now apply to operate in city parks for free following a city council vote on Tuesday. KVCR’s Megan Jamerson has more on what this means.
In a press release Wednesday, Mayor Rusty Bailey said physical and spiritual well-being is essential during the pandemic and that the expansion of Riverside’s outdoor flex program aims to help with both.
The change simplifies permitting and removes fees that gyms and fitness centers were required to pay under the outdoor flex-space program. It also extends eligibility to places of worship. Many of these businesses have been operating in parking lots, but as Councilmember Erin Edwards says, no one wants to do yoga on a sidewalk.
All 58 city parks will be available for use through the program. Applicants should have proof of liability insurance and plans to meet COVID-19 regulations like removable barriers to define outdoor operations.