Trego rec commission finds new home
By KALEY CONNER
WAKEENEY -- Angel Shaver has been working out at the Trego Recreation Commission regularly for at least a year.
But as 2010 kicks off, Shaver has found herself in a bit of a new routine. Rather than visiting the commission's longtime location at 413 Barclay, there's a new wellness center and gym for her to visit.
"It's very convenient," she said. "The fact that I need exercise and they have a machine that I can use with my wheelchair is very convenient. Not everywhere has that."
The TRC moved into its new home at 512 Caroline Ave. in early December. Since then, membership has been increasing steadily, said Director Joe Spangler.
When Spangler began work in WaKeeney in September, TRC had about 90 members. That number since has swelled to more than 150.
"I realize the first of every year, numbers are going to probably be up a little bit, just because everybody wants to get in fitness training," he said. "But I was told that those numbers are significantly higher than in years past. Our goal is to help retain those people."
Spangler previously was employed at the Hays Recreation Commission.
The move was made possible when the city of WaKeeney donated the indoor tennis court and gym area on Caroline Avenue to the recreation commission in April. The property had been donated to the city by a resident in late 2005, said City Administrator Hardy Howard. TRC then used funding from state tax credits to construct an adjoining wellness center, resulting in a nearly 3,600-square-foot facility.
"They've got some more room and a little more space and can offer more programs," Howard said. "And it's probably just a better benefit for the community as a whole."
The wellness center features a variety of workout equipment, including recumbent bicycles, weight machines and treadmills. New physical training equipment was acquired after the move, and a physical trainer is available to meet with clients three evenings each week.
Plans also are in the works to recruit an assistant director.
The previous location consisted only of the wellness facility. The new tennis courts have enabled TRC to offer tennis lessons and use the indoor gym space for a variety of other activities.
The wellness center is open from 4:30 a.m. to midnight seven days a week, with members accessing the facility with a key card.
Members of all ages are using the wellness center. While 14 is the minimum age requirement, some clients are in their 90s, Spangler said.
"Here, compared to the other facility, we generally have someone in here all day," he said. "I think we've got really good support here in the community."