Today, I attempted to sign up for a corporate membership but was denied. The policy states that the minimum corporate membership time is 6 months. I will only be living in Portland for 3 more months, so was given the option to pay the initiation fee and standard rate.
First, the corporate rate is still $90 a month, and I was eligible for the rate because I am a student at a local university. I was willing to give OHSU $270 to use their facilities. But, they asked for about $180 upfront and $108/month instead.
A part of OHSU’s mission is to, “Lead and advocate for programs that improve health for all Oregonians, and extend OHSU's education, research and healthcare missions through community service, partnerships and outreach.” In my opinion, OHSU failed to live up to their mission statement today. I am an Oregonian and attend a university that is partnered with OHSU and an OHP recipient looking to improve his health through exercise. But, I was shown today that I will only be supported by OHSU if I have $500 to exercise for 3 months.
I understand that policies are put in place to protect an organization, but I do not understand why utilizing a public facility would be created to be so inaccessible to community members.
Fortunately, I can exercise and swim at the Matt Dishman Community Center for $132 for 3 months, or about $350 less than at OHSU. Of course, the OHSU facility offers a bit more in terms of exercise equipment than Matt Dishman, but from my trial experience there it is not any more extensive equipment than what is offered at other local/big box gyms. It therefore does not seem worthwhile to pay $90-$100+/month unless you like to swim multiple times a week and live right near the facility.
Of course, it is great if you have gym access as an OHSU student or staff member, but does not appear to be the best option if you are not directly affiliated with the university.