URBANA — The sound of pickleball hitting against paddles echoed through the gymnasium as players darted across the court. The players laughed and shouted as the ball flew over the net. Since its opening on January 6 of this year, the new Health and Wellness Center in Urbana has drawn in a crowd of enthusiastic individuals eager to engage in recreational activities.
Developed by the Urbana Park District, this facility aims to provide a welcoming and motivating environment for community members on their journey to improve health and wellness.
‘I like that it’s brand new and it’s clean. The people are great,’ said Amy Schuele, a St. Joseph resident who joined on the opening day and frequently visits to play pickleball. ‘There is lots of pickleball availability. Other places you have to wait a lot.’
Open seven days a week, the center features diverse amenities, including a gymnasium with a walking track, a cardio and weight room, a group fitness area, and versatile community rooms for events and workshops. Daily fitness classes like Zumba, cardio drumming, and Pilates are available to members.
Members also have access to open gym hours, where they can participate in basketball, pickleball, or volleyball. Schuele encourages others to join the center for pickleball, a sport she has enjoyed playing for years.
‘We started playing during the pandemic, and I like that it gets me off the couch. It is social and active, so it is everything that I need,’ she stated.
Poshek Fu, a recently retired professor from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has also expressed his gratitude for the center. He relishes pickleball matches and appreciates the supportive atmosphere that fosters skill development.
‘My favorite thing here before playing is to warm up by walking and then cool down by walking again,’ said Fu. ‘The walking track here is a big plus.’
Jameel Jones, the outreach and wellness manager, highlighted the positive impact the facility has had on various age groups in the community. ‘I like to call it more of an intergenerational impact,’ Jones explained. ‘We’re hitting seniors, older adults, kids in the afternoon, families for certain programming. We’re kind of wraparound services for any and everyone that wants to come and be a part of this situation.’
Jones mentioned that the classes and equipment were designed based on public feedback to ensure they met the community’s needs. ‘The staff and leadership team conducted public intake sessions and gathered insights to inform the facility’s design,’ he said.
To access the center, individuals can purchase yearly memberships or daily passes. Furthermore, a partnership between OSF Healthcare Heart of Mary Medical Center and the Urbana Park District has facilitated the provision of free memberships over the next five years, enabling scholarships for individuals in need of financial assistance.
‘At $30,000 per year, we’re able to provide scholarships for individuals who may not be able to afford the membership price,’ Jones noted. ‘It’s created barrier-free access for those who really need and want to attend this facility.’
Since its inauguration, the center has welcomed over 1,000 members and awarded 120 scholarships. Jones encourages community members to inquire about eligibility for financial assistance.
The district is committed to continuously listening to public feedback to ensure the facility aligns with community expectations. ‘The most rewarding thing for me is to see that people want to be here. They love coming here, and they are very friendly,’ Jones said.
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