Hukka Xpress gym in Oulu to close locker rooms during Qstock festival after vandalism incidents
Recently, large public events have contributed to various issues, particularly in the case of Oulu’s Hukka Xpress gym located in the city center. The gym has announced its decision to keep locker rooms closed during nighttime hours over the upcoming Qstock festival weekend. This measure follows incidents of vandalism that occurred during the same timeframe last year.
Hukka Xpress manager Jussi Rounaja reported that a group of around ten young people had unlawfully occupied the locker rooms, leaving a significant mess behind. “They brought their friends over to continue the night, used the restrooms, and spent time inside. Some even accessed the gym without permission,” he explained. Such behavior is not part of the gym’s rules or typical conduct.
Rounaja noted that misuse of locker rooms tends to occur primarily during notorious weekends tied to events like school graduations, the Suomipop festival, and Qstock. These occasions have led to many complications, resulting in additional cleaning services being required in the locker rooms.
The gym’s decision to close the locker rooms during Qstock is aimed at ensuring customer safety and overall satisfaction. Rounaja indicated that some individuals involved in last year’s disturbances were identified, and the investigation added extra work for the gym staff.
Hukka Xpress has implemented a penalty fee for members who bring unauthorized guests to the facility. In incidents of vandalism, the gym will assess responsibility for cleaning and other expenses incurred.
Yle reached out to other self-service gyms in various cities to inquire about similar vandalism issues during events, but most declined to comment.