MORAN — Moran moved a step closer to having a fitness center.
Larry Manes, spokesman for a delegation of 10 advocates, asked city councilmen Monday evening if they would give an “expression of interest,” to exploring availability of equipment as well as who would be willing to help with starting up the center and looking after it once established.
The answer was unanimous for the project to proceed. “We feel sufficiently encouraged to go ahead,” Manes replied.
Manes reviewed what has occurred:
In the spring questionnaires were attached to utility bills and 75 residents responded; 65 saying they would use a fitness center once a week or more.
Thrive Allen County put together a grant application for $27,870. On Aug. 11, the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City responded with an award of $25,815. Being in the city’s name, council approval to forge ahead.
At the start, Allen County commissioners said they would permit use of a building that formerly housed a doctor’s clinic on Cedar Street across from City Hall. It has not been occupied for about five years and at first blush Allen County Regional Hospital officials said they anticipated no need. That changed later, with the hospital rethinking its position and that it might want to establish a satellite clinic in Moran.
Locals looked elsewhere and found a receptive voice in Gratz Peters, Erie, who owns a former service station/convenience store at the intersection of Highways 59 and 54. Peters also owns a similar, much newer business directly west across U.S. 59 — Pete-N-Pete’s.
The grant money will be used to purchase equipment and replace 20 percent of City Clerk Lori Evans’ salary for doing day-to-day administrative duties required of the fitness center.
Manes also asked whether the city would pay $4,200 for utility costs. Councilmen made no commitment.
They did ask several questions, including whether the former service station was suitable for a fitness center; had it been winterized before being abandoned for all but a warehouse; would liability would be a concern, for the city or whomever; and other, lesser, details such as a security arrangements.
Manes said all could be worked out, that it only would take time and effort.
A few details were mentioned along the way, including that Roger Campbell, who has had several years experience with fitness centers in Iola, has agreed to be a “technical adviser,” Manes said.
“The center may not work out,” Manes allowed, but “if it does, it will be the result of a great idea. I’d hate to pass up the chance” for Moran to have a facility that a large number of citizens said they would use and prize.
