Fredericksburg’s Create Healthy Expands Wellness Center to Meet Growing Demand

Membership at the Create Healthy Wellness Center has soared from 850 to an impressive 3,500 since its reopening in February 2023. This surge in interest has prompted the foundation to invest in a significant expansion of its facility.

Expansion Plans Unveiled

Create Healthy, a Fredericksburg-based foundation focused on community health, has launched a four-year, $35 million project to renovate and expand its Wellness Center. The board of directors approved this initiative unanimously, aiming to enhance facilities, including the swimming pool, and to accommodate the increasing demand for health and wellness services.

CEO Jayne Pope remarked, ‘Create Healthy has an expansive mission to empower healthier communities, and the Wellness Center is one way we put that mission into action.’ The funding for this project will not affect the foundation’s financial base, which was strengthened by the sale of a hospital to Methodist Healthcare System.

Addressing Community Needs

The Wellness Center has experienced an average capacity of 124% during peak hours from 5 to 9 a.m., necessitating this expansion. The new plans include:

• Nearly doubling the square footage of the Wellness Center.
• Constructing a new six-lane swimming pool, along with a therapy pool and renovated locker rooms.
• Adding an indoor track and multi-use sport court.
• Increasing the space for expanded health outreach services for the community.

Jenny Wieser, chair of the board of directors, stated, ‘The ability to make this investment reflects the foundation’s strong financial position and commitment to our communities.’ She emphasized that this expansion will not impact Create Healthy’s ongoing community giving and grants.

Construction Timeline and Impact

Pending permitting, construction is set to begin in November 2025, with the project expected to be completed by the second half of 2028. Importantly, the Wellness Center will continue offering all its services during the construction phase.

Beyond its state-of-the-art facilities and fitness programs, the center offers free memberships to first responders in Fredericksburg and maintains a rich selection of community health and wellness classes.

For more information, visit CreateHealthy.org.