Fitness group can again use parks

A fitness boot camp whose members were treated like renegades when they exercised at Clark County parks can now sweat from a brisk workout rather than from the fear of getting busted.

County commissioners approved a new rule Tuesday that lets commercial and nonprofit groups run paid classes at the county's parks.

Previous codes barred groups such as Boot Camp Las Vegas from offering fitness activities for money in parks that officials said were created for casual users.

The boot camp's founder, Julie Johnston, said she was glad the legality of her holding sessions in the parks was resolved.

But Johnston was displeased that park officials want to restrict her group to designated areas and impose a $10 hourly fee that -- at 62 sessions each week -- could add up to $30,000-plus yearly.

The hefty fees combined with the inability to move freely in the parks would sink the boot camp, Johnston said.

"Who is this going to help, and how?" she asked the commission. "It certainly isn't going to help your residents."

Jane Pike, acting Parks and Recreation director, said the new rules and fees were designed to be equitable and give private groups more access to the parks.

Commissioners appeared split on the issue. They passed the rule to let fitness groups operate in the park but put off voting on the fees until late July, when they will review other proposed park fees.

Nonprofit groups would pay $10 hourly and businesses would pay $20 per hour to use "open space," the areas outside ballfields.

Johnston told of how she had changed from business to a nonprofit enterprise on the advice of a former parks director.

Last year, nonprofit groups paid no fees and used the parks on a first-come, first-served basis, she said.

Commissioner Larry Brown said he opposed charging groups like Johnston's for open space. Fees should be imposed only on those who use an area that is in great demand, such as a soccer field, he said.

However, Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani said it was normal to charge fees for using public space. She assured Johnston that the county wasn't picking on her group.

Johnston said 120 people signed a petition. A slew of supporters also stood in line to testify.

Among them was Becky Campos, 33, who told of being morbidly obese before joining the boot camp.

"I lost 65 pounds," she said. "Please don't take this from us."

Contact reporter Scott Wyland at swyland@reviewjournal.com or 702-455-4519.