Free no more: LCC is making major changes to fitness center access for alums, retirees
LANSING — A pair of fitness centers that were free for years for thousands of Lansing-area residents and retirees are undergoing major changes, with one being closed to the public and another adding an annual fee for use.
Lansing Community College changed its rules around alumni and retirees using the school’s fitness center, citing security concerns over “campus tragedies” around the country.
Previously, LCC did not require a membership to use its gyms, and both the West Campus fitness center and the downtown Lansing fitness center were available for use, LCC Public Relations Director Marilyn Twine said. The downtown Lansing campus is now closed to anyone other than current LCC students and employees, and the West Campus fitness center will require an annual fee for use for alumni and retirees.
Retirees and alumni who want to use the gym, located at 5708 Cornerstone Dr., can with their existing StarCard − the ID needed to get into buildings on LCC’s campus − until a new one is required on July 1. A new card costs $120, and will need to be replaced yearly, according to the FAQ page on LCC’s website. Previously, StarCards did not need to be replaced and were free.
LCC’s rules are in line with what other campus gyms and fitness centers in the area do. Michigan State University alumni and retirees must purchase a membership, which costs $170 per semester, and need either a Spartan ID or driver’s license to enter.
Can I use the West Campus Fitness Center now?
It depends. Until June 30, alumni and retirees who have recently used their StarCard to access either gym can use their existing StarCard. The West Campus Fitness Center is open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
However, LCC alumni and retirees who did not use their StarCard to access any LCC fitness center during the fall 2024 semester no longer have access, until July when a new StarCard is required.
Access for alumni and retirees to the downtown Lansing fitness center ended Jan. 1.
How do I sign up for a membership?
The membership registration is not yet open but will be posted to the school’s website this spring. A payment and completed form will be required.
How does LCC define ‘retiree’ and ‘alumni’?
Alumni are defined as those who have earned a degree or certificate from LCC. Retirees need to have retired from LCC and meet the criteria defined on the LCC Retiree Perks webpage, as confirmed by Human Resources.
Alumni who have not earned a degree or certificate from LCC but were fitness center users will be considered legacy users and will have access to the West Campus Fitness Center after July 1, 2025, so long as they fill out the form and pay the annual membership fee.
What fitness center can I use?
Alumni and retirees can only use the West Campus Fitness Center, which is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, except when the college is closed for holidays and breaks. The downtown campus fitness facilities is only available for current students and employees.
Does my new StarCard get me into other buildings?
The new alumni and retiree StarCards will only provide access to the West Campus main entrance. School officials said they are “continuing to explore solutions” for access to the library, but say it is not guaranteed.
Contact Sarah Atwood at satwood@lsj.com. Follow her on X @sarahmatwood.
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