Choice fitness center ahead of schedule

• Choice Health & Fitness logo

Choice Health & Fitness logo

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Choice Health & Fitness is taking shape.

The Grand Forks Park District’s fitness center’s construction is a month ahead of schedule, with a tentative opening in September.

In addition to the structural work, the amenities are coming together, too. The Park Board recently agreed to spend $728,000 for furniture and fitness equipment. Another $123,000 is earmarked for such items as kitchen equipment, computers and phone systems, bids that will be awarded later.

“It’s all winding down,” Park District Director John Staley said. “We’re really on target with the whole budget; in fact, we’re a little under.”

The $23.3 million facility is being paid for by a variety of donations, sponsorships and rentals. The plan calls for selling 6,000 memberships, double the combined current member-ship of Center Court Fitness and the YMCA.

Choice will replace Center Court, the current Park District-operated fitness center. Center Court will be converted to startup private business Northern Air Family Entertainment. Its plan calls for a play facility for youth.

Center Court is connected to the Red River Valley Gymnastics facility, which will continue to operate. It was built in the mid-90s after Coalition 92 raised $500,000 for gymnastics and $500,000 for new softball fields.

The Park District is handing over ownership of the building’s 60,000 square feet to the gymnastics club.

If the club should disband, the agreement says, the assets and the land would go to the Grand Forks Park and Recreation Foundation.

Tags: grand forks, fitness and exercise, choice health and fitness center, updates, news