10-05-2025
Strong start at new west Sioux Falls rec center
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) — Attendance at the new Westside Recreation Center has already far exceeded expectations.
The former Sanford Wellness Center is now owned by the City of Sioux Falls and the facility has been averaging 700 people a day in the five months it's been open.
Sioux Falls Rec. Trail expansion underway
The center has become a favorite destination for families who otherwise can't afford a gym membership.
Sherri Austin works out at the Westside Recreation Center three times a week.
'I love that I can do most everything I want to do as far as weights, the track, all that. My husband does the pool a lot,' Austin said.
Austin also appreciates the convenience of the center's location, off Ellis Road. But it's not just west-siders who are showing up.
'More people with lower income, along with greater diversity. We're seeing all walks of life use this facility, all ages,' Sioux Falls Parks & Rec Recreation Manager Jackie Nelson said.
The City expected around 2,500 people to use the facility over the course of an entire year. But they've already blown past that number as they close in on 4,000 members. Pricing has a lot to do with it.
'Typically, other fitness clubs would be about $15 for a daily pass. Here at the West Side Recreation Center, our daily passes are about half of that,' Nelson said.
The name itself can factor in turnout. Parks & Rec says people are more likely to show up to a recreation center as opposed to, say a fitness center or a wellness center.
'Recreation is very magical, yes. A lot of things go into recreation. It's more than just sports,' Nelson said.
Upgrades at the center include a new surface on the basketball court that will include more spaces for pickleball. That project should be finished by the end of the month. This is the first city-run recreation center, with the goal of offering activities that won't be a heavy financial lift for families on a tight budget.
'It's a great environment. It's a great culture. We love to have lots of fun. And I think we're seeing it and feeling it as we continue to move through these months,' Nelson said.
Other upcoming projects at the recreation center include replacing both the parking lot and the roof later this year.
The center is open for Mother's Day.
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