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Dolton partners with Rucker Athletics to reopen fitness center; pool awaits state certification
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Summary
Dolton officials said Rucker Athletics, led by Deandre Rucker, invested in and now pays rent on the former Melanie Fitness Center to reopen it for residents; the pool is pending state certification and officials will look into discounts for local residents.
Dolton officials described an agreement with Rucker Athletics to restore and operate the village’s former Melanie Fitness Center, with founder Deandre Rucker investing in renovations and paying rent to the village to reopen the facility for community use.
A resident asked whether Dolton residents would receive discounted memberships; the mayor said pricing details are not yet finalized and offered to discuss affordability with the operator if cost becomes a concern.
"Rucker... as the founder and CEO for the organization... has poured his money into the facility to bring it to restore it, and is paying rent to the village of Dolton as well," the mayor said, adding the pool is awaiting state certification. "So that way, we can have our fitness center and pool back for the residents of the community."
The mayor noted the facility previously cost the village about $7,000 per month for maintenance while idle and said Rucker Athletics accepts SilverSneakers memberships. Officials did not provide final pricing or discount structures; the mayor said residents should report affordability concerns so village staff can negotiate with the facility owner.
Next steps: the village will monitor the operator’s progress obtaining state pool certification and officials said they will follow up regarding membership pricing if residents raise concerns.
