Situated approximately one hour from St. Louis, Missouri, the City of Wentzville has historical ties to the pioneer movement and is currently experiencing robust growth. Despite having a higher concentration of younger demographics than the national average, the city grapples with insufficient recreational facilities catering to all age groups. In 2018, the city engaged consultants to conduct an exhaustive market analysis and resident survey regarding the potential construction of a new community center.
The market analysis results focused on the adult fitness market among current providers within the city's service area. Simultaneously, the resources offered by the School District fell short of accommodating the demands of expanding youth programs. A succession of community outreach initiatives, surveys, and deliberations with potential collaborators uncovered a palpable demand for modern facilities from residents and developers. Blending collective input and stakeholder preferences, the consultants formulated a comprehensive building program, centered around four primary activity zones: a gymnasium, indoor jogging areas, indoor aquatics, and fitness spaces. In June 2019, City Officials sanctioned the construction of a new facility, financed through improvement district taxes and bonds.
Spanning 83,100 square feet, the multi-generational Wentzville Recreation Center proudly houses an array of amenities, including an aquatic center, an eSports Lab, a gymnasium with dual full-size basketball/volleyball courts, an Innovation Zone, the WREC Learning Academy preschool, Kids Club childcare services, cardio apparatus, a track, a sauna, and a Wellness Hub, among others. These amenities were meticulously curated following insights gleaned from a comprehensive feasibility study.
The construction of the Wentzville Recreation Center commanded a financial outlay of $42 million. Funding for the project materialized through a strategic amalgamation of improvement district taxes and bond investments. The facility's design was engineered to harmonize with the evolving needs of the burgeoning population, serving as a hub for individuals spanning all age groups to foster wellness and vitality.
After a diligent construction process, the center attained completion in 2022, subsequently commencing public operations in early 2023. Its popularity surged among families, swimmers, and fitness enthusiasts alike. Notably, the Wentzville School District leverages the facility to conduct physical education classes and host swim meets, solidifying its role as a versatile community asset.