Groundbreaking held for Greene recreation center
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday by Greene County Memorial Hospital Foundation for the EQT REC Center at EverGreene Technology Park. Pictured, from left, are foundation board members Matt Blair, John Dorean and Jay Hammers; foundation executive director David Jones; EQT Corp. Director of Communications Natalie Cox; EQT Corp. President Steven T. Schlotterbeck; foundation board president Sheila Stewart and foundation board members John Kendralla, Bret Moore and Kirk King.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday by the Greene County Memorial Hospital Foundation for the EQT REC Center at EverGreene Technology Park. Pictured, from left, are foundation executive director David Jones, EQT Corp. President Steven T. Schlotterbeck and foundation board president Sheila Stewart.
WAYNESBURG – By the end of the year, the Greene County Memorial Hospital Foundation’s plans for a public recreation center, featuring an indoor soccer field, basketball court, fitness center, track and multipurpose rooms, should be a reality.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the project was held Wednesday at EverGreene Technology Park in Franklin Township, the site of what will be called the EQT REC Center, in recognition of the EQT Corp., the project’s naming sponsor.
“This project is the culmination of years of hard work by a dedicated board of directors and our executive director,” Sheila Stewart, foundation board president, said.
Planning for the center began about two years ago, though it has seemed much, much longer, Stewart said. “But we have finally made it, we’re finally here.”
Stewart spoke of features of the 60,000-square-foot center and said she believes it will become a place not only for exercise and fitness but also for educational and social programs. The REC in the center’s name stands for recreation, education and community, she said.
“I’m sure it will become a point of pride for the citizens of Greene County,” she said.
Stewart commended EQT for its commitment to the project and recognized other contributors including the foundation’s capital campaign committee.
The $6.5 million recreation center is being constructed on a 13.3-acre lot at the technology park behind Greene County Airport.
In addition to the indoor soccer field and basketball court, the center will include locker rooms, a traverse climbing wall, concessions area and community rooms that can be used for events, meetings, exercise classes or educational classes.
It will also have a suspended walking/jogging track overlooking the soccer field, a child care room, party rooms, conference room, game rooms and a 6,000 square foot fitness center.
“The EQT REC Center … is unlike anything Greene County has had before and it serves as a symbol of the area’s bright and healthy future,” EQT President Steven T. Schlotterbeck said.
Greene County is at the heart of one of EQT’s most successful operational areas, he said.
“But for us, it’s not just about doing business. Many of our employees live here or grew up here and we all have great respect for our neighbors here,” Schlotterbeck said.
EQT had wanted to be a part of the project “in a big way” since its inception, he said. “We wanted to be able to give something back to the community that has always welcomed us and has grown with us throughout the last several years,” he said.
A feasibility study the foundation completed in 2012 had pointed out the need of a recreation center.
The project, in addition, came about as a result of the desire by the foundation’s board to complete a “big and lasting” project for the community, foundation executive director David Jones said.
The need for a recreation center in the county was verified by Steve Hogue of the Greene County United Soccer Club. The organization has about 500 youth participating in its fall and spring programs.
Many of these youth have nowhere to sharpen their skills during the winter months, Hogue said. The only indoor facilities members can use are in Washington or Morgantown, W.Va. though booking those centers is extreme difficult because of demand.
“To say out organization is excited about the construction of this facility,” Hogue said, “is an understatement.”
Greene County Commissioner Dave Coder, who also spoke, called development of a recreation center a “bold step” by the foundation to improve the health and quality of life for county residents.
“This facility is just what the doctor ordered,” he said.
The foundation was formed in 2005 with proceeds of the sale of Greene County Memorial Hospital to Essent Healthcare. It provides grants to other nonprofit groups that work to improve the health and well-being of county residents.
The foundation, for instance, provides grants to fund local youth summer camps, purchase equipment for local fire companies and provide scholarships to students majoring in health-related fields.
The foundation is constructing the center with its own funds and with money raised through sponsorships and donations.
Wishing to continue to provide grants and programs at its current levels, the foundation board started a $2 million community campaign to help build the new center, Jones said.
It has raised about $1.6 million, a “remarkable” achievement, he said. Jones thanked the many companies and individuals who have contributed to the project.
Members of foundation board include Stewart, Matt Blair, Dr. Daniel Church, Rev. John Dorean, Jay Hammers, John Kendralla, Bret Moore, Blair Zimmerman and Kirk King.