5HF handing over operation of the Manchester Wellness Center to schools
Manchester Wellness Center is located at 710 East Main Street, behind Riverside Intermediate School.
Last weekend rumors began circulating the community about the future of the Manchester Wellness Center. On Monday, a letter went out to members, stating that Manchester Community Schools (MCS) will be taking over management of the Manchester Wellness Center (MWC) from 5 Healthy Towns Foundation (5HF).
5HF and MCS released a joint statement, “For eight years 5HF and MCS have been party to a joint-use agreement for the building MWC calls home. Their partnership has been a good one, providing an opportunity for many community members to find a home for connecting with friends while caring for their own health. School district employees, students and other have benefited from easy access. Over the last few months, both organizations recognized an opportunity to change the school district’s role and community impact through the Wellness Center. Manchester Community Schools will begin managing MWC on behalf of their community.”
Amy Heydlauff, CEO of 5 Healthy Towns Foundation endorses the idea. “The idea bubbled up in both organizations simultaneously,” she said. “An off-hand comment gathered steam as the school district began to image new ways to use the center. Since a focus of 5HF is building community ‘muscle’ and connections, how could we not endorse this kind of thinking?”
The formal transition will be effective April 1, 2020. After this date, current members will be asked to sign a revised agreement.
The district has committed to maintaining existing hours without using the facility for school activities beyond the current schedule and is in fact looking into expanding hours and programs to support community needs. These possible expanded hours may help offset the loss of reciprocal membership use of the Chelsea and Dexter Wellness Centers on Friday evenings and Sundays.
Membership rates will not change. MCS is working to secure a contract with Silver Sneakers so senior membership options will remain in place.
Group exercise classes will continue to be offered at the Wellness Center. Heydlauff stated that MCS has indicated that they are interested in keeping any of the current instructors who make themselves available. “It’s in the instructor’s court,” she said. Class schedules are being reviewed and finalized.
MCS sees this as a win-win.
“Our School Board is fully behind this move. The 5HF’s donation of equipment and continued grant funding will allow us to move forward without disruption. The opportunities this provides our community, students and school system will certainly be a great benefit for all,” said Tom Mann, MCS Board of Education President.
To facilitate the transition 5HF will donate computer hardware and all the existing fitness equipment to the school district. 5 Healthy Towns will also provide an annual grant to assure this will not create a financial hardship for MCS.
If you’re already a member, it’s hoped you’ll continue your membership. If you aren’t, it’s a good time to consider becoming one. “It’s the best bargain in town,” said Jeffrey Wallace, Manchester Village Manager and chairman of the 5HT Foundation Board. “We’re lucky to have such a good facility in a small community.”
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