For the community.
The Clarion Recreation Center offers a wide array of health and wellness options for everyone within our community. From kids playing soccer to athletes honing their skills, from parents exercising to the elderly walking - the facility is a vital cornerstone for our rural area to attract and retain residents and employees.
PLANNED FACILITY
The final size, configuration, and offerings of the center are subject to change. As currently planned, these are the major characteristics and offerings:
Two multi-use basketball courts (high-school sized 50'X84')
Turf area (160’ x 75')
Walking/jogging track (distance: .1 mile)
Weight room
Cardio room
Fitness class/training room
Meeting room
Commons area
Concessions area and kitchen
Support spaces such as staff offices, restrooms, and showers
Take a peak inside the future Clarion Recreation Center.
FAQs
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It will provide a year-round place for people of all ages to exercise in a variety of ways.
A turf field will provide opportunities for year-round soccer and football activities.
The courts can be used for youth practices, tournaments, and much more.
It will be a place for our community to come together with the inclusion of a commons area and meeting room.
It will be a tool for our community to attract and retain our workforce for years to come.
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The facility will be located at the southeast corner of Willow Drive and 11th St NE in Clarion, IA. This is across from the Clarion-Goldfield-Dows high school parking lot and adjacent to the high school itself, ensuring a seamless integration into the educational landscape and the benefit of additional parking space during events. This prime location not only facilitates easy access for all high school students but also offers proximity for elementary and junior high school students. It is adjacent to the new CGD baseball/softball complex and housing complex at White Fox Landing. As people visit this area of Clarion, they will witness advancement and investment in the well-being of residents, contributing to the overall growth and vibrancy of the community.
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The current fitness center is open and will remain open throughout the construction of this project. We are working with the fitness center to ensure a positive transition to the new recreation facility once completed.
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Membership will be required in order to use the facilities.
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The plan is to follow the current Clarion Fitness Center’s membership structure, with yearly, monthly, and daily rates available.
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Total projected cost is $10.2 million which includes land acquisition, facility construction, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, landscaping, security, furniture, and new cardio and strength equipment. The facility will be funded by a combination of private donations, corporate donations, and grants.
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Estimated time of completion is 1.5 to 2 years once the building is ordered.
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Our board has studied and evaluated the finances of different facilities in Iowa. We have also visited with the managers and taken tours of various facilities. All these facilities are open and operating.
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Yes. We have a detailed business plan, including financial statements, that shows the facility can operate at a profit each year with membership and event income. We used financials provided by other similar facilities to develop this business plan and the financial projections.
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We expect to break ground on the project in 2025. If adequate funds are not pledged by that time, donors will have the option to a) have their money returned to them and/or eliminate their pledge or b) keep their donation and/or pledge with the understanding that the project may not include all the original components. Any personal tax implications of having money returned will be the responsibility of the donor.
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The Clarion Recreation Center will be privately funded and operated. It will be a public 501c3 for operating and will not be operated at this time by the city of Clarion or the schools.
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Contact the Clarion Recreation & Wellness Corporation Board by emailing clarionreccenter@gmail.com.
Sources of Funding
The facility will be funded by a combination of private donations, corporate donations, and grants and has a total projected cost of $10.2 million.
To donate to the project, download the pledge card below and follow the instructions, or contact us at clarionreccenter@gmail.com.
Thank you to those who have pledged their support to this project!
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Vice President, Ennis Corp., Ennis Transportation Services, and Ennis Logistics Services
President, Clarion Chamber and Development (CDA)
As an employer in the community I see the need for this facility to attract and retain our employees and their families. As parents of children returning to the community as young professionals, they want and see the world differently and they want the things a small town can offer and the big city feels. The kids need a safe place to kick balls around and shoot hoops and the elderly need a safe place to walk! Our community needs this to be a focal point of growth in our community and a great sign of coming to together to create progress. I am excited and honored to be a part of this project.
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Owner, Chappy’s on Main
I support this project because it provides community empowerment and engagement for its citizens.
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Vice President, SportsGraphics, Inc.
With the Iowa winter weather every year Clarion citizens need a place to get out and be active. The Rec Center will have activity opportunities for everyone of all ages.
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Owner, Cramer Chiropractic
The rec center will provide community members with the opportunity to be active year-round. It will also provide a safe place for our youth to go after school, in the summer or on the weekends. We think it’s important to work together to invest in our community to attract new businesses & employees, plus promote well-being for all age groups.
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Mike - President, Ennis Corp. | Elizabeth - Accounts Manager, Ennis Transportation Services & Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach
The health and wellness of a community is vital to its growth. We need a place for our youth, elderly, and everyone in between to gather and enjoy the activities within. This will help to attract other businesses and families to our community.
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Dean - Farmer | Abby - Radiology Director, Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics
We live and work in this community. We see only positives from having a Rec center in our community ranging from promoting wellness/fitness to building our community.
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Physician, Iowa Specialty Hospital
I’m supporting this project because I believe a rec center would be an invaluable asset for all members of our community and would help draw more residents to Clarion. Completing this project will be a huge step forward for the future of our small town.
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Farmer, Odland Farms
I feel having a recreation center is one, if not the most, important thing the community needs to continue to prosper. I’m a board member because I want to positively promote and get this project completed.
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Business Owners, Agronomy First & Grand View Beef
We have two young children, and as they grow, we know this facility will enable them to practice and improve the sports they develop a passion for year round - without having to drive to a larger city. As business owners, this provides a vital incentive to our current and future employees for mental and physical wellness.
The mission of the Clarion Recreation and Wellness Corporation is to create a facility and environment that provides health and wellness opportunities for all community members. We seek to enrich the lives of residents through leisure and recreational activities.