HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Huntersville's fitness center hopes to partner with local businesses to get the cash it needs to expand.
Leaders at the Huntersville Family Fitness and Aquatics Center cited the aging gymnasium, a pool that needs to be resurfaced, and a cardio room that the staff hopes to update with the latest technology.
Renderings of the remodeled building include a new upper level, complete with a new multipurpose room, cardio room and observation deck overlooking one of the pools.
The fitness center, where more than 8,500 are members, is now 12 years old.
Executive Director Dee Jetton said the demand there is so great that they must expand to continue meeting the community's needs.
"It needs a face-lift," she said.
She also said while they get money from memberships and the town's taxes from hotels, motels and prepared food, the center is extremely expensive to operate.
"I think sometimes people are surprised to hear that just the 50-meter pool costs $200 an hour to operate," she said.
Jetton said they hope to raise $800,000 for needed improvements, and that's where local businesses come in.
She said this year she's taken many more phone calls from companies interested in wellness programs than in years past.
"I probably get in a month as many as I would get in six or eight months’ time," she said.
Jetton said more companies recognize that healthier employees mean lower insurance costs and better productivity. A wellness program can include anything from monthly health screenings to reduced gym memberships for employees.
One company has already pledged $250,000. Its identity will be announced later this month.
Jetton said they hope to have all the improvements made within two years.
WSOC
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