Red Tier classification changes the way forward for Concord gymnastics center

CONCORD, CA—Liberty Gymnastics Training Center has started serving a limited number of its students as Contra Costa County shifted to a Red Tier status. But sounds emanating from the Concord facility are a far cry from the robust activity owner Terri Nuno was accustomed to pre-pandemic.

So as she tussles with how to maintain staff, meet payroll and ultimately keep her operation doors open, the next shock wave that could cause her business to close again – possibly permanently – is what she is focused on heading off now.

She and her fellow operators have now lined up a lobbyist whose goal is to establish a clear classification that would more fairly serve their business interests in the face of future economic upheaval.. Other other similar operations were better able to weather the current crisis.

With Liberty being lumped in with physical fitness centers and workout facilities, which also are now operating in a modified fashion, it has had to stay shuttered since the spring. At the present time, she is working at 20 percent capacity.

‘Sawing off your leg with a butter knife’

“It’s been like sawing off your leg with a butter knife,” Nuno lamented. “It’s been very difficult to make revenue; It’s not sustainable.”

A letter to Governor Gavin Newsome seeking changes fell on deaf ears. Nuno and her peers will continue to seek action on their plight.

Nuno emphasized that industry oversight of operations like hers are “quality driven’’ and all about “keeping everyone safe” Recently an individual who had tested positive were immediately told they could not return for 21 days.
An underlying concern for Nuno is that competitors are fudging on the county health department’s rules.

“Everyone should be playing by the same rules,’’ she said.

And it appears they’re not.