SoFlow fitness facility

A former Oakland Park committee member who helped the owner buy the property two years ago urged support, calling it a family investment and community-building project by a local entrepreneur with no corporate backing.

An Oakland Park mom and longtime member credited the gym's owner with coaching her back from a serious pedestrian accident and said the gym builds confidence and character in her kids — calling it an investment in the community.

A Fort Lauderdale father and friend of the owners said CrossFit changed his life and that the new facility would bring jobs and help working parents balance work and family.

A gym member attending with her daughter praised the gym as a community and mental-health escape, and said her daughter thrives in the kids and teens classes — urging the board to see the project as an investment in people.