Columbus Community Hospital’s Fieldhouse Project Begins Taking Shape

As the winter weather grows cooler, the Columbus Fieldhouse project is heating up. The structure, located north of the Columbus Wellness Center near 31st Street and 41st Avenue in Columbus, underwent significant changes this fall.

The multimillion-dollar project measures approximately 65 feet from the base to the center peak. It will include a 101,500-square-foot field turf area, batting cages, mini putting greens, tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts and volleyball courts. The plans for the fieldhouse also include racquetball, a cycle studio and spaces for personalized fitness, circuit training and cardio.

“The Columbus Fieldhouse will be a game-changer for our community because there truly is something for everyone,” said Rob Marshall, director of the Columbus Fieldhouse. “The planning team has done an excellent job ensuring activity opportunities are available for individuals of all ages and skill levels. I’m excited to watch the construction continue to progress and see the positive impact the facility will have on our community.”

Over the past few months, the project’s construction crew, JE Dunn, continued working on the project’s steel erection and pouring concrete inside the new facility. In addition to the concrete pours, JE Dunn finished the steel erection for the strength expansion at the Columbus Family YMCA (located on the west side of the Columbus Wellness Center) and the Rehab Services and Wiggles & Giggles expansion (located on the east side of the Wellness Center). The completed steel erection allows the crew to enclose the exterior walls and continue with interior wall framing and mechanical, electrical and plumbing work throughout the winter.

The large-scale project requires support and assistance in many different areas. The hospital selected local companies Behlen Manufacturing and Bierman Contracting, Inc. as the steel suppliers for the project. The Columbus Community Hospital Foundation and hospital leaders have also met with more than 90 local businesses to share information about the project and available sponsorship levels.

“It’s been a wonderful and educational opportunity to share information about the fieldhouse and learn more about their businesses and what they offer,” said Cori Fullner, executive director of the Columbus Community Hospital Foundation. “We have also enjoyed speaking to local philanthropic organizations, church groups and anyone interested in a fieldhouse presentation. Our goal is to ensure our community knows all about the fieldhouse, because it will truly be a place for anyone and everyone to use and enjoy!”

The hospital has also received support from the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s (DED) Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery and Investment Act Grant as one of the area’s top economic and workforce development projects. The facility will offer endless benefits for the community and state, including increased physical activity, full-time employment positions and additional tourism and tax revenue.

“We are very grateful for the funding we received from our community sponsors and the DED’s Shovel-Ready Grant,” said Mike Hansen, president and CEO of Columbus Community Hospital. “Through the financial support of the grant, community sponsors and our foundation, we are well on our way to funding our new fieldhouse — a wellness initiative project that has been our board’s goal for many years.”

Crews are on track to complete the project at the end of 2023, and the facility should open in 2024.

To learn more about the Columbus Fieldhouse or donate to the project, visit columbushosp.org.