Livingston City updates public on wellness center site, design, funding and operations plan

Livingston City staff provided the commission and public an update on the proposed Livingston Community Wellness Center, covering site selection, building design, environmental testing, fundraising and an operating model that gives free access to city residents and paid access to nonresidents.

City Manager Mister Gager told the commission the project is sited at Katy Bunnell Park at North End and Gallatin Streets and that the 4 Ranges Foundation (the lead private fundraising partner) and the city are working together on land transfers, site design and construction. "On 03/19/2024, voters of the city of Livingston approved a referendum to create a special district to support operations of the wellness center," Gager said, and he summarized building features, testing and schedule.

The update matters because the project combines a major new public facility, private capital and a tax-supported operating model. Gager said the foundation has raised almost all capital needed for construction and is providing an operating endowment; commissioners and residents pressed staff on tax impacts, staffing plans and how the city will preserve access for local users.

Gager walked commissioners through the planned site layout and building program. The site plan places the two pools, a six‑lane lap pool and a smaller therapy/recreation pool, on the first floor;…