Jasper Moving Forward with Regional Wellness Center

Jasper- The City of Jasper is moving forward with their plans for a Regional Wellness Center.

The following release was sent to us this afternoon:

 The City of Jasper in partnership with the Tri-County YMCA is  excited to announce plans to construct a Regional Wellness Center. The new indoor recreation,  wellness and aquatic   facility will be located on 15th and Bartley Streets adjacent to the Indiana  National Guard facility. The City of Jasper and Tri-County YMCA are leading the project in  collaboration   with stakeholders including the Indiana National Guard and Memorial Hospital The  proposed 91,000 sq. ft. Regional Wellness Center will include an 8,000 sq. ft. fitness center, four   (4) full-court gymnasiums, 14,000 sq. ft. indoor aquatic center, indoor elevated walking track, four  (4) group exercise studios, and five (5) community rooms including a community   kitchen. “Our  vision extends beyond the facilities and amenities themselves,” commented Mayor Dean Vonderheide. “We imagine a community hub of activity, a gathering space, a   destination to meet  the health, wellness and recreation needs of our community in one location. Programs and  facilities will serve all ages and abilities in our region, from the very   youngest to the most senior.”  

 The total cost of the new indoor facility is estimated to be $37 million. City and YMCA leaders  are conducting a major regional capital campaign and working to secure various grant   funding  opportunities to support the project. These are just several of the components of the project capital  plan.  

 In February, with significant support from the local community, the Common Council  unanimously passed Res 2023-2 seeking State authority to establish a 1% Food and Beverage Tax.   Having received State approval in April, City Council must now enact local legislation to begin  collecting the FAB tax. Currently, thirty-four (34) municipalities or counties in Indiana   have  adopted a FAB tax. If passed, the Food and Beverage Tax would become effective in January  2024 and would be designated specifically to support the project AND minimize   property tax  impact of the project. The City has also identified multiple other funding sources.  

 The city continues to work with its municipal financial advisors to perform its due diligence in  developing the best financial options for the project. To that end, the City will be in a   position to  provide projected financing models in the coming weeks. Whether this includes a property tax  paid bond (approved via a referendum) or a property tax backed bond, the   goal will remain to  minimize any tax payor impact.

We have reached our to YMCA Director Mike Steffe and Jasper Parks and Recreation Director Tom Mooreman for comment.