Converting the city’s pool into a year-round fitness center for youth is the goal of one local Christian group.

Friday, September 28, 2001

Converting the city’s pool into a year-round fitness center for youth is the goal of one local Christian group.

Ron Brown, the pastor of Christ United Methodist Church, presented a proposal to city council last night requesting the city grant the pool’s lease to the Christian Youth and Seniors Health program.

Brown told council that he would like to lease the pool in order to open a fitness center that targets area youth.

Brown said the center’s short range plans, if council approves the lease, are to move gym equipment into the building and give the building an exterior and interior facelift. He also said a new heating and air conditioning unit would be installed.

In addition to running a fitness center, the program would also operate the pool during the summer.

Brown said the long-range plans include enclosing the pool and adjacent tennis courts during the winter to foster year-round use.

Brown said part of the funding for the facility will come from Ohio University Southern Campus and the CYS.

Councilman Jesse Roberts made a motion to refer the issue to a joint meeting between the public utilities and parks and recreation committees. The city’s attorney will also review the proposal.