Four-year project will add new pool, expanded workout areas

Create Healthy, the Fredericksburg-based foundation investing in the health and wellness of the Hill Country, announced a four-year renovation and expansion of the Create Healthy Wellness Center.

The Create Healthy volunteer board of directors unanimously approved the $35-million, four-year project to upgrade facilities and equipment, including the swimming pool, and add the space and capacity needed to meet the growing demand for health and wellness services and programming. The project’s funding will not affect the body of its financial base, which resulted from the sale of the hospital to Methodist Healthcare System two years ago.

The plans come as the center has seen its membership grow from 850 after the post-Covid opening to 3,500 today. Directors at the center have seen an average capacity at 124% between the hours of 5 and 9 a.m., the center’s busiest times.

“Create Healthy has an expansive mission to empower healthier communities and a vision for a Hill Country where all contribute and thrive. The Wellness Center is one way we put that mission and vision into action,” said Jayne Pope, RN, president and CEO, Create Healthy. “Create Healthy is investing in the Wellness Center because we are committed to improving the health and wellness of our community.”

The planned Wellness Center expansion includes:

• Nearly doubling the square footage of the Wellness Center.

• Construction of a new 6-lane swimming pool that includes a therapy pool and an overhaul of locker rooms.

• Addition of an indoor track and multi-use sport court.

• Increased space for expanded healthy outreach for the communities served by the Wellness Center

“The ability to make this investment, and sustain the current level of Create Healthy’s grants and sponsorships while maintaining these funds for generations to come, reflects the foundation’s strong financial position and long-term commitment to investing in the communities we serve,” said Jenny Wieser, PhD, chair, board of directors, Create Healthy. “After thorough vetting, the board made the strategic decision to expand the Wellness Center because we want Create Healthy to continue to be a leader and active investor in the health and wellness of our communities.”

The project will have no impact on Create Healthy’s community giving through grants, sponsorships, and other philanthropic investments to achieve the foundation’s mission.

“Create Healthy’s giving power is the direct result of prudent and meticulous stewardship and management of the foundation’s assets,” added Wieser. “The foundation has a long-term commitment to health and wellness, and we will continue to make lasting investments in organizations, projects, and activities that align with our mission and vision.”

Pending permitting, phase 1 of Wellness Center construction will begin in November 2025. During construction, the Wellness Center will remain open without reduction in access to services, programs, or equipment, including the pool. The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2028.

In addition to its world-class facilities and diverse exercise programming, it offers free memberships for Fredericksburg first responders, provides 24-hour access, and maintains a robust calendar of community health and wellness classes and events.

More at CreateHealthy.org.