The Sycamore Park District Community Center is nearing completion, with most elements of it expected to be open for use by the spring; and the Fitness Center is expected to be a popular addition to the community, in spite of the presence of other, similar centers in the area.
Park District Executive Director (and Sycamore Rotarian) Dan Gibble says the fitness center will provide 24-hour access to the facility, including an elevated running track, cardio equipment and two full basketball courts. It will also have three multipurpose rooms and park district programs and rentals, along with a group exercise and dance studio.
Gibble says Pathway Fitness is not intended to compete with, or take business away from, the Kishwaukee YMCA or the new Northwestern Medicine rehab facility; he says there is plenty of demand for 24-hour access from those interested in maintaining their fitness, and the Park District believes it will quickly fill a niche.
The campus of the Community Center on Airport Road will also include a sled hill, a dog park and the Splash Fountain splash pad; these will also be available for use by springtime...although the sled hill may be put into operation sooner, depending on winter weather. Gibble noted the difficulties of having such a hill; obtaining proper liability insurance means having the ground at a certain consistency and the slope at just the right angle -- and the Park District staff has worked diligently to make sure it meets all the necessary standards.