Jasper Wellness Center Locations Under Consideration

Mayor Dean Vonderheide took center stage during the public comments section of the Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools regular school board meeting early this week. While he praised the school board and the innovative programs that have been pursued on behalf of the city’s children, his main purpose was to request a board vote permitting the sale of a currently unused 10-acre parcel of land owned by the Greater Jasper School Corporation. If approved, the acreage may be used in the development of the proposed Regional Wellness Center. Its topography and location near the Parklands would likely make it a leading candidate for the building site. 

Mayor Vonderheide lauded the services that the Wellness Center would bring to the city, including full and part-time employment, multiple gyms and basketball courts, pickleball courts, an indoor walking track, and tremendous versatility for groups of all ages needing indoor activity space. Vonderheide was careful to point out that funding this project independently is of the highest priority, and amenities like this benefit the community in multiple ways. Statistics have shown that indoor activity during the winter months to keep the body moving year-round is crucial to overall wellness, particularly contributing to mental health, reducing the risk of diabetes, and promoting cardiovascular health. 

Potential partnerships with the YMCA and the National Guard add an air of community cooperation to the venture, and further support the idea that Jasper’s recreational facilities stand to draw both locals and residents of surrounding counties. Perhaps one of the most pivotal selling points of the proposal is the Early Learning Development program, which would provide childcare for working parents and developmental activities for children as young as 3 and 4. The inclusion of the ELD would be essential to the school board’s approval for selling the property, and offers a mutually beneficial aspect to the site that is within walking distance of Jasper schools and healthcare facilities.