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Seward wellness center nears completion; new leadership hired and ribbon cutting planned
Summary
City staff reported progress at the new Seward wellness center, named hires for key positions and set a ribbon-cutting for 1 p.m. March 30; the report included construction punch-list status, pool finishing schedule and staffing needs.
City staff told the Seward City Council that construction at the new Seward Wellness Center is largely complete and officials expect a ribbon-cutting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 30.
The report said the gym floor is finished, hoops are being adjusted, and the TV and scoreboard should be delivered the following week. Staff said pool plaster work will be completed once grout cures and a final fill and inspection are likely the week after that; staff characterized the final pool inspection as likely to be the building’s final inspection.
The council was given a list of full‑time hires for the center: Joel Brazy as executive director; Jamie Fields as recreation director and assistant wellness director; Samantha Patterson as child-care director; and Tom Baghert as facilities director. Staff noted Baghert was previously facilities director for Seward Public Schools and brings experience in maintaining gym floors and HVAC systems. Staff said part‑time positions remain open—particularly lifeguards—and the city may adjust lifeguard wages to be more competitive.
Staff reported that punch-list work continues in the fitness, studio and locker-room areas and that landscaping and irrigation remain weather-dependent. The city also reported that the Civic Center project is in punch-list stage and that staff are coordinating a joint grand unveiling on March 30.
Council members asked no substantive follow-up and voted to accept the administrators’ report on the wellness center and related capital projects. The report also noted ongoing coordination with Concordia University on a turf project and forthcoming findings from a CARC meeting to be presented to the council at a future meeting.
No fees, personnel appointments requiring council confirmation, or formal contract awards tied specifically to the wellness center were listed on the meeting agenda; staff said hiring for full-time positions is complete and part-time hiring is ongoing.
