Read the latest on the recreation center project

Culpeper Wellness Foundation is moving forward with construction of a 17,759 square foot recreation center and renovation of nearly 10,000 square feet of existing space at the Foundation’s facility on Crossroad Parkway purchased in 2020. The renovated space will be the new home of fitness programming currently offered by Culpeper Sport & Fitness, operated by the Foundation. Dex Sanders of Sanders Architecture PC in Culpeper County has developed conceptual plans for both the recreation center and fitness center.

Phase 1 of construction, which began in April 2021, is developing the fitness space, which will include areas for free weights and cardiovascular exercise equipment, a functional fitness/sports performance/personal training studio, two group programming studios, child care and changing/locker rooms. The fitness area will accommodate in an expanded space the many programs that gym members and community members have enjoyed at Culpeper Sport & Fitness, such as tumbling, tae kwon do, yoga, strength and cardio group exercise classes, boot camp programs, personal training and sports performance training.

Phase 2 of construction will add a vestibule/waiting area, an 840-square foot activity room with A/V equipment, two full size multipurpose courts lined for basketball, pickleball and volleyball, and observation areas. The recreation area will accommodate instructional, recreational and league basketball, pickleball and volleyball. Other programs may include tumbling, arts programs, after school programs, educational programs, and more.

 

Foundation president Shari Landry said, “The Foundation board unanimously supported a multimillion-dollar investment in this project with a focus on creating healthy fitness and recreation opportunities for children and families. We are aiming to have the recreation center open in 2022.”

 

Landry further noted that the Foundation will need to supplement the board’s commitment of funds with support from the community.  She said, “This is a huge project and we need ‘all hands on deck’ to get the doors open and the fun started.  We are hopeful that many of the region’s generous individuals and businesses will help us build and outfit this recreation center that will be a hub of youth and family activity for generations to come.”

 

Foundation board chair Debbie Bennett added, “On behalf of the entire board of directors I’d like to express our enthusiasm for the upcoming completion of our new recreation center.  Our mission is to improve health and promote wellness in Culpeper, Madison and Orange counties and this facility definitely aligns with that mission.  Recreation space is very limited in our area and is much needed. Our vision is to have this space available for activities of all kinds with programs that are affordable for anyone who wants to participate.”

According to Landry, as a first step in developing that vision, committees have been formed to facilitate Foundation and community collaboration on site and building construction and interior planning. The site and building construction committee includes Ed Dalrymple, president of Cedar Mountain Stone; Brian Wortman, president of Wortman Mechanical; Alex Cannon, vice president of Cannon Properties; and Foundation board members Ed Scott and Charlie Barrell. The building interior planning committee includes Foundation board members Kelsey Carlson Settle, Tripp Butler and Gillette Harris; Doug Robson, facility services director for Culpeper County Public Schools; Andrew Hardy, Culpeper County Parks and Recreation director and Tim Moubray, Orange County Parks and Recreation director.

“We are very grateful to these individuals for their willingness to be a part of this project. Each of them brings much to the table in terms of commitment to the community, expertise and enthusiasm for developing a facility that our community can enjoy and be proud of,” noted Landry.

Construction support is being provided by Loudin Building Systems (renovation & construction); Samuel James Construction (site work); and Settle Septic (system installation). Chemung Contracting and Cedar Mountain Stone provided a generous donation of fill, base and paving.