By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – When the City of Parsons took over the Wellness Center, officials knew the center was losing money, but they said they wanted to offer residents access to the fitness center so they could get and remain healthy. When the center continued to lose money, Parsons Officials and members of the Parsons Parks and Recreation Commission rolled up their sleeves, took a long look at the center and decided it was worth keeping – with a few changes.
In April, the groups announced they were going to change the center to a 24-hour facility, they were going to renovate the facility and they were going to replace most of the current staff by installing video surveillance as well as a key-swipe system. Folks in the area had lots of concerns and questions, but officials worked diligently to address those concerns and reopen the facility – where folks can work out at their convenience in a clean, safe environment – and for membership rates that are less than before.
“After a busy month of renovations, we were excited to finally reopen the doors Monday,” said PPRC President Kennetha Greenlief. “We signed up more than 90 people on our opening day. This number has grown to more than 120 as of the end of last week.”
Most folks complain that by the time they complete work, dinner and the chores of daily life, the fitness centers are all closed. At Wellness 24 Fitness Center, that is no longer a concern. Folks can go to the center at midnight, 2 a.m. or 9 p.m. It is never closed.
“We have received many positive compliments since the reopening of our new facility,” said Mayor Dorothy Judy. “We are glad to be able to offer our community this great service.”
“Existing members and new members discovered Monday that we dropped our membership prices,” said City Administrator/Treasurer Jason Myers. “In a community with a large percentage of senior citizens, individuals on a fixed income, and not to mention a county with a high obesity ratings, the PPRC wanted to make exercising more affordable for individuals and families. With this facility being open twenty-four hours a day, it fits into everyone’s busy schedule. We’d like to call it no excuse exercising. We anticipate a record number of memberships before the end of July.”
Memberships to Wellness 24 Fitness Center are $20 per month or $220 per year for a single membership, $40 per month or $440 per year for a family membership, $10 per month or $110 per year for a senior age 65 plus membership; $15 per month or $165 per year for an emergency personnel membership and $35 per month or $385 per year for an emergency personnel family membership. Memberships for those more than 85 years old are provided free of charge.
Membership fees are collected at the City of Parsons Business Office. The Wellness 24 Fitness Center is located at 215 Pennsylvania Ave. in Parsons. Additional information is available by calling Wellness 24 at 304-478-3035 or the City of Parsons Business Office at 304-478-2311, or on Facebook at Wellness 24 Fitness Center.
