UPDATED – 3/17/20

First, we greatly appreciate all the messages of support and understanding we’ve received. Equally so, we recognize and fully understand those who are disappointed – even angry – that our facility is closed. We share your strong feeling and frustration – we seriously do. Hopefully everyone can recognize it is our goal, and a common goal of any such interdependent community, to make difficult decisions when we must for the common interest.

Our team will be constantly evaluating the status of the pandemic both nationally and in our own community and neighborhood. It will be the priority of the Board and Management to consider and follow professional guidance to enhance the safety and security of our building, as this situation evolves. Most importantly right now, it is VITAL our man-power and efforts be focused on areas of necessity for the entire community. Doors, elevators, the lobby, front desk, package room, entrances, exits, door openers, etc. Also, traffic in and out of the building is a consideration, and unfortunately as it relates to our Health Club that means recognizing the outside traffic into the elevators, to and from the 2^nd floor, and the health club.

And very sadly, we had to take into very serious consideration the behavior of members. Most of who were not following the most basic of personal responsibility and hygiene, and what that means as people are coming and going from and to our 2^nd floor. Both inside and outside of the building, to and from the Health Club and pool, and through the elevators in and out of the Tower, which all our residents use.

We do have several apologies:

First, we want to apologize to anyone who may have been offended by our statement that the Health Club is not considered “essential”. We understand how this could seem disrespectful. We are aware many members need quality exercise and access to facilities such as ours, to follow their doctors’ orders – in some cases to help with treatment for conditions. And we can agree in those cases, gym or pool access can be essential to you. Our statement was intended to explain what is essential in this unprecedented time, relative to the facility and Park Tower as a whole. Due to the interconnection and interdependence of individuals in a high rise, we are forced to prioritize.

Next, we apologize to all the members, who’ve paid for access but can’t use the facility. This will most likely be addressed by our Board in the near future, particularly given the possibility this shut down could go on for some time. We understand the questions we’ve gotten regarding this, but hopefully you can understand why such considerations are toward the bottom of our to-do list at this time.

And finally, we apologize to those members who were making a visible and obvious effort to be good citizens while using the facility. There is no doubt, part of the decision was based on the bad behavior of others, which we (and complaining members) were observing. We know many of you feel unnecessarily punished. Babysitting those making poor choices was not a manageable option, or something we could do with our present resources and volume of other activity we have to focus on at this time.

As I explained above, our team will be constantly evaluating this and other measures we’ve taken. The situation is evolving everyday, and new and much different considerations will likely have to be made each day. We share everyone’s concern and understand those who are disappointed and angry. We will get the facility open as soon as properly and appropriately as possible.

We appreciate the forced sacrifice all members are making, and thank you for the support we’ve received.

ORIGINAL POST – 3/16/20

Until Further Notice

For the enhanced safety of Park Tower staff, residents and guests, the Health Club will be closed UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Park Tower Condominium Association is taking this proactive effort to help limit person-to-person contact, which is a big risk factor in transference of COVID-19. 

Please visit www.ptcondo.com for any updated news and announcements.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Park Tower Management Office at parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com.

We realize some will ask about credits, refunds or extensions – please understand that is the least of our priorities at the moment. We will follow up if and when that becomes a consideration.

We realize some members will be asking Why? That is a fair and reasonable question. And if the Health Club, why not the elevators, the garage or the laundry room? First, clean laundry and access to the elevators and your vehicles are essential. Access to the Health Club is not. Sadly, our team reviewed several hours of surveillance, and while many members were using the equipment responsibly – wiping it down before and after use – MOST were not. Because we don’t have the time or resources to control such behavior on an individual basis, that was the single biggest factor in our decision. We also received guidance from the The Habitat Company that this measure should seriously be considered, and there are other buildings and municipalities where similar such decisions are being made. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support.