HUBBARD, Ohio (WKBN) – After three years of fundraising and hard work, Hubbard residents have a new place to work out.
The Roosevelt Student Wellness Center had its grand opening today, but local leaders say there’s still a lot of work to be done.
The project took three years and about $200,000 in fundraising, and about 75 people attended the center’s grand opening on Friday afternoon to get a first-hand look at the renovation process.
“This is a place where kids can work out, play pickleball and basketball. We’re also going to have a batting cage and golf simulators,” said James Chaney of the Hubbard Youth Coalition.
The plan is for seniors to use the center in the mornings and then open it to students after school.
“One of the things I’ve noticed through COVID-19, and I think we’ve all noticed, is kids’ activity levels have really dropped. Kids get so used to their devices. They get so comfortable being at home,” Cheney said.
Several of Hubbard’s sports teams will have the opportunity to use the center: the wrestling team already has mats set up inside and the weight room is ready to go.
“This facility will not only attract a number of sports teams, but also youth sports, including basketball programs,” said Anna Martin, Hubbard School District board president.
The center received some donated materials and local residents offered to help.
“We have 25 people here, ages 10 to 80, tightening bolts and removing bleachers that have been here since 1939,” Chaney said.
“This school is very important. This gymnasium is important to a lot of people. This historic building allows for memories to be passed down through generations,” Martin said.
The work isn’t done yet: There are also plans to add a golf simulator, a batting cage and a multi-purpose room.
Some lobby and exterior work also needs to be completed.
“We’re going to have a playground, basketball courts, pickleball courts and a putting green,” Chaney said.
The center will host events for local residents throughout the weekend.
