Birmingham fitness center has broken equipment after funding allocated in 2023
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — A Smithfield man called CBS 42 News saying a city-owned fitness center in his neighborhood is full of broken equipment despite being given $100,000 for upgrades.
The Birmingham Fitness Center North, more commonly known as the Smithfield Fitness Center, is a vital resource for people who live in the community. For one man, it's helping save his life.
Cleophus Riles Jr. suffered a stroke eight months ago. Since then, he's had to relearn how to walk.
'When I talked to the doctor, he says, 'Mr. Riles, medicine cannot bring you to recover,'' Riles said. '[He] said, 'What you need to do is physical fitness.''
Riles said he wants to listen to what his doctor told him. The problem? Smithfield Fitness Center, which is near his house, does not have enough working equipment that he needs to exercise.
'During the time when I had the stroke, it was excessively hot,' Riles said. 'The heat, I'm jogging around the heat. I could have been doing it around the air-conditioned comfort of the fitness center.'
Through speaking with city officials, Riles found that in 2023, the Birmingham City Council gave $100,000 to Birmingham Parks and Recreation for upgrades to the Smithfield Fitness Center. The money came from the American Rescue Plan Act, which was COVID-19 relief funding from the federal government.
CBS 42 News requested an on-camera interview with Birmingham Parks and Recreation Director Shonae Eddins-Bennett but instead received a written statement, which reads in part:
'In 2023, the City of Birmingham allocated funds to Birmingham Park and Recreation for improvements at the fitness center. However, during our assessment, it became clear that significant structural issues needed to be addressed first. The most urgent concern was the roof, which was deemed a safety hazard requiring immediate replacement.'
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CBS 42 News went through Birmingham City Council archives and found the roof replacement. It cost $177,000 but was not funded through the ARPA, which the parks and recreation department confirmed. The statement from Bennett goes on to say that:
'Through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), we completed the required documentation by December 2024 and are now awaiting the arrival of new equipment. We look forward to upgrading our amenities soon.'
CBS 42 News followed up with Bennett asking for information on what equipment has been purchased and how much of the $100,000 in ARPA funding remains. Her office told stated at the time it's not able to provide that information.
Riles said he just wants the upgrades that were promised two years ago.
'Let's go ahead and just get the equipment … Let's get some accountability and do the right thing,' Riles said.
CBS 42 News requested documentation regarding the ARPA funding Birmingham Parks and Recreation received. At the time the story aired Tuesday night, CBS 42 News was waiting for the department to provide that information.
You can contact the CBS 42 Your Voice Your Station hotline by sending an email to yourvoice@cbs42.com or calling 205-488-4128.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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