Exciting news for Bethel! The city has just received a $9 million federal grant to enhance the Yukon-Kuskokwim Fitness Center. This funding will be used to construct new facilities, including a gym, community rooms, and a computer lab. These additions will provide more spaces for Bethel residents to engage in recreational activities, socialize, and pursue learning opportunities.
What’s Coming with the Expansion?
Bethel City Clerk Lori Strickler shared the exciting details. The new expansion will include:
- Basketball gym
- Community rooms
- Community computer lab
Strickler emphasized our aim to offer free internet, computer, and printer access. This gym will be a unique resource in Bethel, open to all residents.
Budget and Design
The first design for the gym as a Fitness Center was very fancy and would cost about $18 million. This plan included a gym, a sauna, and extra fitness rooms. “It wasn’t just a simple gym; it had a lot of features,” Strickler explained. With only $9 million, they will have to simplify the design, but the main parts spaces for games, a computer lab, and a gym space for sports—are still planned.
Optional Features
Some features will be included if there’s enough money:
- More locker rooms: Additional locker rooms will provide convenience and accessibility for visitors to the fitness center, ensuring ample storage space for belongings during recreational activities.
- Bathrooms: Including additional bathroom facilities will help accommodate the anticipated increase in visitors to the expanded fitness center, enhancing comfort and convenience for users.
- Sauna: If budget allows, a sauna facility will give visitors a relaxing and healing experience, helping their bodies and minds feel better.
- Walking track above the gym: A raised walking track above the gym offers users a unique vantage point, perfect for walking or jogging while enjoying panoramic views. This addition enhances the overall experience for visitors by adding to the diverse range of recreational activities available at the center.
By fall, they hope to understand better what they can afford. No matter what, Strickler promises a safe, warm place for people to play all year and more social activities for everyone.
Funding and Timeline
| Source | Amount |
| Federal Grant | $9 million |
| State Design Grant | $500,000 |
| Additional Funds | $4 million* |
*Applied, not yet confirmed.
The $9 million grant, coupled with an earlier $500,000 state grant allocated for the design phase, forms the financial backbone of this ambitious project. With the stipulation to utilize the funds by the end of 2026, the city faces a tight deadline, particularly considering the challenges often associated with rural construction projects.
Nevertheless, Lori Strickler, the Bethel City Clerk, underscored the significance of this endeavor. “The impact of this health Center in Bethel cannot be overstated,” she emphasized. “It will provide children with a dedicated space for sports and recreational activities outside of regular school hours, fostering a sense of community and physical well-being. We are eagerly anticipating the positive outcomes this project will bring.”
Looking for More Funds
Bethel is actively seeking an additional $4 million in funding. They are pursuing:
- $2 million from The Denali Commission
- $2 million through Alaska’s Congressional delegation and Senator Lisa Murkowski’s office
The outcome of their efforts should be known within a few months.
By fall, Bethel aims to finalize the design and initiate the search for builders to ensure completion by the 2026 deadline. This expansion marks a significant milestone for Bethel, providing residents with enhanced social and recreational opportunities.
Final Verdict
While this expansion is a significant victory for Bethel and promises to offer essential community engagement, recreation, and education spaces, it comes with challenges. Securing the additional $4 million in funding stands as a critical task, especially given the stringent deadline of 2026. The city must work quickly and make firm decisions to ensure timely completion and avoid potential setbacks. Let’s remain optimistic that Bethel can navigate these hurdles successfully and realize the full potential of this exciting project.
