Wellness center nears completion; pool filled and new staff onboarded

City staff updated the Seward City Council on construction and staffing progress at the new wellness center and reported the pool is filled and major interior equipment has been installed.

Presenter Joel said full-time staff recently joined the wellness center team: Samantha Patterson, previously working part time as childcare director, began full time and is interviewing for part-time childcare positions; Jamie Fields started as recreation director; and Tom Bagger joined as facilities director and has been overseeing daily site work. Joel said those hires have accelerated preparations for opening and that staff feel confident about the facility’s readiness.

The project moved forward on construction and punch-list items: an architect and contractor conducted a punch-list inspection for the facility (except the pool), and crews are completing touch-ups such as paint and gym pad work. Joel said weight-room equipment is in place and may be rearranged as staff test the layout. The only larger outstanding item for the gym is installation of TVs and a scoreboard.

Pool work advanced late in the prior week: the pool received its plaster coating, crews filled the pool and set lane dividers; staff continue work on remaining pool items. Joel described the progress as positive and said staff would continue to complete punch-list items and finalize equipment installations before opening.

No formal council action was required on the update; the item was presented for information and questions.