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Facility Usage Information for Children

At McDowell Wellness Center, fitness can be family-oriented and fun for everyone. We want you and your child/children to have a safe and enjoyable time while at the Center. Please read the following information and guidelines for various age groups.

Children between the ages of 8 and 12 are invited to use McDowell Wellness Center under their parents’ close supervision. This is for children’s safety. Children under the age of 12 must check in at the Member Services Desk (unless using the Children’s Activity Center) with a parent or guardian and the parent or guardian must supervise the child at all times. Non-members under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or member and have parental consent.

• Children age 12 and older who want to use McDowell Wellness Center must be listed on their parents’ or guardians’ membership.
• Members who are age 12-15 may have full use of the McDowell Wellness Center as long as a parent or guardian is on the premises.
• Individuals who are age 16 and older may join as an independent member and are allowed full use of the Center.
• Any member under the age of 18 requires a parent or guardian signature on all membership information.

Guidelines for use of the various areas by children

Fitness Area:

• The bikes, rowers, stair climbers and treadmills may be used by children who are between the ages of 8 and 12 if a parent or guardian is next to the child.
• In order to better serve our adult members, we ask that if a child is on a piece of equipment and an adult member is waiting, to please let the adult member use it first.
• The circuit weight machines and free weight machines are intended only for those who are 12 years of age or older. This is for safety reasons.

Water Fitness Area:

Children are welcome in the pool. However, for everyone’s safety, certain guidelines need to be observed. Please note that the lifeguard on duty may intervene if they think that children are engaged in unsafe activities.

• If small children are prone to having accidents or are not toilet trained, we ask that they use a swim diaper. One complimentary diaper is available from the lifeguard on duty. Swim diapers can be purchased at the member services desk.
• Children under 10 years of age are allowed full use of the water fitness area as long as a parent or guardian is on the pool deck.
• Children 10-15 years of age are allowed full use of the water fitness area as long as a parent or guardian is on the premises. Children older than 15 may use the pool area without a parent or guardian on the premises.
• The use of the pool area is limited when classes are in session. A schedule of classes is posted inside McDowell Wellness Center.

Aerobics/Fitness Studio:

• Children may participate in classes as long as a parent or guardian is supervising them closely and the class is not disrupted. The instructor will determine whether a child can safely participate in a class.

Community Education:

• We ask that a parent or guardian please supervise their child/children when inside the community education area.

Social Activity Area:

• Children are welcome to use the social activity area without supervision, as long they are well behaved and respectful of others.

If you have any questions/comments or concerns regarding these guidelines, please see a Member Services Desk Representative or call us at (859)936-WELL (9355).

Thank You.