Wellington athletic center to include sports academy classrooms; staff says public access agreements should remain intact

Board members asked whether a planned private-school use in the new athletic center would limit public access to Wellington’s athletic facilities. A staff member responded that the sports academy component was always part of the project and that it will include two classrooms for daytime education and athletics after school.

A board member said, “This is not intended to be a private school as we're seeing floated in social media.” The staff member replied, “That's correct,” and reiterated that the academy’s educational component will run roughly from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with athletic programming afterward, and that existing use agreements with Parks and Rec “should not be affected.”

The staff member said the Sports Academy portion of the athletic center was funded primarily through a bond issuance and that the village’s contribution was focused on South Shore Park site preparation rather than direct capital into the academy.

Why it matters: Board members expressed concern that a daytime school could restrict public access. Staff described the academy as a limited component — two classrooms at startup — and said established public-use arrangements should remain in place.

Remaining questions and next steps Board members asked about formal size limitations; the staff member said they were not aware of any written limitation beyond the two-classroom description provided in the meeting and said staff would follow up if further specifics are needed.

The board did not take formal action on the athletic center or academy at the meeting.