Jackson County plans to add the first fitness center in the county with $50,000 in ThreeStar grant funding.
Mayor Randy Heady said a city-owned building on South Main Street in Gainesboro will be used. It sits next to the City Park. Heady said the plan is to purchase workout equipment to create a healthier workforce.
“This will be an encouragement for more people to move into our community,” Heady said. “Same way with trying to develop Roaring River Park, it’s the same type of goal, giving the residents that we have here something that they can be proud of and it encourages healthier lifestyles.”
Heady said a top priority for the current generation of workers is access to parks and fitness opportunities. He said this plan will address both, with the fitness looking out onto the park so parents can exercise while keeping an eye on their kids enjoying the park.
Heady said the first step is finishing the flooring in the building with an existing grant, then new windows will be cut for the future fitness center.
“You’re adding a piece that encourages people that are looking for a place to live in rural communities like ours,” Heady said. “Come here and we actually have some amenities, we have a workout center, we have a park. That’s the goal because workforce is an issue.”
Heady said that substance abuse and unhealthy lifestyles have been a detriment to the existing workforce. He said that being able to offer a place to get fit and have kids nearby could solve some of those issues for people who feel too busy or are unable to get someone to watch their kids.
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