Excitement is stirring on campus, as the anticipated wellness center is nearing its opening. Located to the east of Goerzan Hall, this new facility will be a remarkable addition to the Bethel Campus, aiming to enhance the mental and physical well-being of students, staff, and community members.
Currently, there are two weight rooms on campus. One is in Memorial Hall's basement, and the other is in Goering Hall's basement. There is a small room in Memorial Hall with limited workout machines. Additionally, the shared use of a single gymnasium by multiple sports teams leads to scheduling difficulties for practices. While these facilities have been used by many individuals on campus, they have become outdated and worn.
The Wellness Center promises to fix many of these issues. New, accessible amenities are being built with the intention to make students’ and student athletes’ lives easier. The first floor of the building holds several workout machines, including disability-accessible machines. A full gymnasium court is also held within the first floor, with amenities for volleyball, basketball, and even pickleball. This gym will help alleviate the struggle to schedule sports practices. Instead of needing to schedule awkward times throughout the day, this extra court will give coaches and teams the opportunity to practice at a comfortable time. Up the stairs lies a full weight room with soundproofed floors.
Upon walking through the building, it is clear that each feature was designed with purpose and intention. The Wellness Center underwent a multi-year construction project. Several blueprints were made and modified as the building took shape. The center was funded mainly by donors and alumni, with donations equal to around 6.35 million dollars. Additionally, several people were involved in the planning, budgeting, constructing, and landscaping of the Wellness Center.
While an official grand opening has not been scheduled, the facility will soon be accessible for Bethel students to use. Community members are welcome to use the Wellness Center further down the road. On Saturday, Oct 4, a dedication ceremony will be held at the Wellness Center.
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