Haish gym in DeKalb reopens after COVID-19 closure

DeKALB - After a year and four months closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DeKalb Park District’s Haish Gym is now reopened.

According to a news release from the DeKalb Park District, the facility at 303 S. Ninth St. has been closed, except for select programs and events, since March 2020 when the pandemic hit.

Home to two gymnasiums and a fitness center, Haish Gym will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

The Fitness Center will be open during facility hours, with specific times set aside for open gym playtime.

“Haish Gym has such a rich history here in DeKalb, it’s been sad to see the facility mostly unused this past year and a half,” said Recreation Supervisor Andrea Juricic in a statement. “It feels good to open everything back up again. We can’t wait to see people enjoy playing basketball at open gym or meeting their wellness goals through the Fitness Center.”

Pass fees for residents, non-residents

General Open Gym (all ages) will be available Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Youth Only Open Gym (ages 4 through 17) will be offered Mondays and Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Adults-only Open Gym (ages 18 and older) will be available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 to 10 a.m.

Children 10 and younger must be always supervised by an adult.

The Haish Fitness Center includes a variety of exercise equipment and is available for ages 14 and older. Equipment includes treadmills, cycles, two elliptical trainers, a stair climber, resistance equipment, a multi-station gym and more. Fitness Center equipment was recently serviced to ensure public safety during use.

Visitors can enjoy unlimited access to facility amenities with memberships for both residents and non-residents, or drop-in to enjoy facility amenities for a daily fee of $5 for residents and $6 for non-residents. Annual membership options include the following:

Combo passes: includes access to Haish Fitness Center, Open Gym, and Indoor Open Walking at the Sports and Recreation Center, 1765 S. Fourth St. Combo passes for adults 18 and older are $100 for residents and $125 for non-residents. Passes for youth ages 14 through 17 are $70 for residents and $88 for non-residents. Passes for active adults, ages 55 and older are $45 for residents and $56 for non-residents.

Adult Open Gym passes: For ages 18 and older, open gym passes ae $60 for residents and $75 for non-residents. Youth Open Gym passes for those aged 14 through 17 are $40 for residents and $50 for non-residents. Children 3 and under get in for free.

Open Gym Passes include unlimited play during scheduled times.

To qualify for resident rates, you must live in the DeKalb Park District and provide a valid Illinois Driver’s License or Illinois Resident ID Card as proof. You may also show a utility bill or lease in your name at an address in the DeKalb Park District with a picture ID to receive resident rates. The Haish Fitness and Gym Membership program is also included in the District Scholarship Assistance Program for individuals who qualify.

The two basketball courts at Haish Gym are also available for rent. All courts are rented by the hour, which includes the use of the bleachers and scoreboard. Although the scoreboard is included, the renter must provide an operator. Each court is $50 per hour. Contact Recreation Supervisor, Andrea Juricic at ajuricic@dekalbparkdistrict.com or call 815-758-8560 ext. 7270 if you are interested in renting.

If you are interested in touring Haish Gym, securing a membership, or learning more about the facility, visit dekalbparkdistrict.com/haish-gym or call 815-756-8560. Memberships may also be purchased at the Hopkins Community Center, 1403 Sycamore Road, or the Sports and Recreation Center, 1765 S. Fourth St.