SHAWANO, WI- The long-anticipated renovation of the Shawano Recreation Center is officially moving forward, with the facility set to close its doors to the public on Saturday, May 17, in preparation for a major transformation.
Matt Hendricks, the city’s parks, recreation, and special projects director, confirmed that after the closure, city staff will have about two weeks to clear out office equipment and other reusable items before handing the site over to 8Pine Inc., the construction firm selected for the project.
In-House Equipment Auction
Before construction begins, the Rec Center will hold an in-house auction in early May to sell off its exercise equipment — a mix of older and newer items.
Auction participants will be able to place bids at the front desk, with winners required to pick up their items in the week following the center’s closure. Specific auction dates and procedures will be announced soon.
Construction Timeline and Memberships
Construction will officially begin after 8Pine receives the keys on June 2, and the facility is expected to be closed for 10 to 12 months. During this time, all memberships will be frozen and will automatically resume once the center reopens.
The Rec Center has seen a steady rise in popularity, logging 28,000 visits to the pool and exercise area in 2024 alone, with about 600 active members — a number that’s grown significantly in recent years.
Hendricks credits the increase to two key factors: the insurance reimbursement program developed by aquatics coordinator Tara Kelliher, and the center’s exceptional customer service.
Renovation Details and Funding
Originally, racquetball courts were slated for removal during this phase of renovation, with plans to replace them in a later phase. However, community feedback led to the courts being added back into the first phase.
The $5.25 million renovation project is being funded by a $4.25 million state Flexible Facilities Program grant and an additional $1 million from the city. That city contribution comes from reallocating $275,000 in savings from other capital projects, moving $525,000 from the 2026 capital budget, and borrowing $200,000 more than initially planned for 2025.
The council voted to approve the project and its revised budget, signaling full steam ahead for a long-awaited upgrade that will bring a more modern and functional rec center to the Shawano community.
For updates, residents are encouraged to monitor city communications and the Shawano Parks and Recreation website.
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