Snap Fitness re-opens after major flood

Gazette intern reporter

When a Pullman city water main near Dissmores ruptured April 19, businesses in the Tractor Town Square on Grand Avenue were flooded. One of those businesses, Snap Fitness, re-opened Friday.

The rupture drained more than one million gallons of water from water towers on Military and College hills and flooded all of the businesses in the square. Snap Fitness had about three inches of standing water.

“We had to install new flooring, drywall and repaint all of the walls,” said Megan Hammer, facility manager. “We had to have a flood restoration company come in to repair the water damage and have the bottom four feet of the walls stripped right down to the studs.”

Fusions Salon and Spa, next door to the fitness center, had about four inches of standing water. That business remains closed at this time. Carnahan Chiropractic, also neighboring Snap Fitness, opened again approximately one week after the flood. Wilbur-Ellis remains closed.

Other damage to Snap Fitness included furniture, stationary bikes, treadmills and floor equipment such as medicine balls, which were replaced. All of the other existing machines were inspected by Ken Close of TreadTech Service in Spokane. The electronic door and card swipe system also sustained damage from the flooding.

“We are just really grateful for the patience and support from our clients and the community,” said Hammer. “We've really optimized and re-opened the space, and our clients love it so far. We would not have been able to complete this without all the love and support.”

The fitness center opened July 1 at midnight, so the early morning gym goers were able to complete morning workouts.

“The first person swiped in at 4:15 a.m., I think,” said Hammer. “We're so happy we could be open for them!”

Throughout the duration of Snap Fitness's closure, the gym continued to provide free fitness classes for members outdoors, either at Reaney or Kruegel Park. Since the re-opening, staff at Snap Fitness has been giving tours of the new facilities as well as demonstrations of the new treadmills and bikes to clients. However, there will be an actual grand opening in August for the rest of their clients to attend, according to Hammer.

“We know it's summer and most of our clients are out of town on vacation, so we want to give them a big opening,” said Hammer.