Wheeling Park District celebrating opening of new Health & Fitness Center
The first phase of a nearly $19 million expansion of the Wheeling Park District's Community recreation Center is complete.
The park district will celebrate the milestone with a grand opening of the facility's new Health & Fitness Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, featuring guided facility tours, games and live music.
The project, which broke ground in May 2018, includes the new Health & Fitness Center, a second gymnasium, new entryway, staff offices, a guest services desk and lounge area.
Park district Executive Director Jan Buchs said construction has progressed with only minimal setbacks.
"We had some weather conditions in the winter (and) spring and early summer, with all the rain we had, but the dry weather helped us greatly," she said.
The additional facilities were built onto the Community Recreation Center, 100 Community Blvd. Upon completion, the first phase additions have added 42,000 square feet to the 77,000-square-foot building.
The second phase began in July with the demolition of the temporary fitness center that was used while the new one was built. Phase 2 features renovations to the existing recreation center, including renovated locker rooms and an upgraded preschool space.
The project is currently within the projected total cost of $18.8 million, Buchs said. Funds for the project come from the district's capital reserve fund, tax increment financing funds from the village of Wheeling and from the Northwest Special Recreation Association.
The full project is expected complete by the end of the year.