A new gym in Picayune is giving back to the community by offering free memberships to law enforcement.
The Gym opened its doors this month to the public, but owner Lisa Harris said she wanted to give back to those who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the safety of others.
“We chose to do this to give back a little bit,” Harris said. “There is so much negativity in the news today, we just want to show a little appreciation and recognize the fact they are doing something most of us don’t want to do.”
In October, Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero proposed excess funding in a city account be used to build a fitness center for the Picayune Police Department’s use, previous coverage states.
“It appears that would probably take the place of having to open up our own facility,” Pinero said. “That’s a great offer and very benevolent of the health facility owners. We will always support anything that anyone wants to offer the community.”
All active members of law enforcement agencies are welcome to The Gym, Harris said.
“Hopefully we’ve saved the county a little money,” she said.
So far, many officers from the Picayune Police Department, as well as the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department and Mississippi Highway Patrol, have signed up for the program she said. And most importantly, they are utilizing all of the equipment.
“We have a lot of growing to do, we have a lot of equipment, a lot of space and we’re excited to be here,” Harris said, adding that the support from the community has been tremendous.
Even with the support and recognition, she said The Gym also benefits from the officers’ attendance.
“Altruism is a fake word, there’s nothing altruistic about this,” she said. “We benefit from them being seen here.”
Yet, Harris said the offer is about ensuring officer safety and acknowledging their sacrifices.
“It’s not just them, it’s their families, their kids…some days they go out and they don’t come back,” Harris said. “It takes a special kind of person to make that sacrifice.”
Firefighters and senior citizens also receive a $10 discount on their $25/month membership, Harris said.
The Gym is located at 210 Highway 11 North. Staff can be reached by calling 769-242-2116.