New Wellness Center To Open Spring 2024
Construction on a new therapy/wellness center at Howard County Medical Center (HCMC) began in March 2023. Plans for a new wellness center have been in the works for several years. Local survey takers and community visioning participants have consistently given high priority to adding an indoor pool for laps, aquatic therapy and swimming lessons in St. Paul. Along with an expanding therapy department, HCMC felt it was time to dive in on the project.
“Incorporating physical activity into our daily family activities is a priority to us. We hope to instill a love for movement and an understanding that being physically active promotes overall wellbeing. Having access to a wellness center in our community will be such an incredible resource for St. Paul residents!” – Stephanie Miller, Mother
The $8 million project includes an indoor 3-lane lap pool along with an aquatic therapy section, an all-weather indoor walking/jogging track, group exercise room, therapy exam rooms, locker/changing/shower facilities, pediatric sensory gym, and office space for HCMC’s Therapy Department staff. The additional space will allow the physical, occupational, speech, cardiac, and respiratory therapy specialties to continue to expand.
“The thing that kept me coming back is that they made him feel special. Every day when he came through the door, they all stopped what they were doing to get that hug.” – Whitney Hake, Mother
The public will have access to the facility through a memberships program. The new center will be connected to the current medical center but will also have a main entrance on the west side of the Howard County Medical Center campus. With the exception of the pool, the facility will be open 24/7.
Howard County Medical Center and Foundation made a $4 million commitment to initiate the $8 million project. The Howard County Medical Center Foundation is now leading a $4 million capital campaign to raise funds for the project. In total, over $5 million of the $8 million has been secured. Gap financing has been secured to ensure the project is completed as scheduled. The new facility is scheduled to open Spring 2024. Howard County Medical Center is excited for this project to come to fruition to bring wellbeing opportunities to our large service area.