Today, Waynesburg residents interested in joining a gym, playing league sports or being part of a community center must travel as far as Washington or Morgantown, due to lack of local facilities. That is soon to change.
A brand-new recreation center is projected to open in Waynesburg this November, with a total of 60,000 square feet and funded entirely by donation dollars.
Beth Stoneking, member service manager for EQT Rec Center, said the new facility will have something for everyone in the Greene County community.
“So, with the EQT Rec Center, we’re trying to get it so it’s a place for locals to go—children, teens…” she said. “It’s going to be the go-to place for everyone.”
The new facility exists only because of the generosity of various sponsors, said Stoneking—most significantly, EQT Corporation, a petroleum and natural gas company. As a result, the center has some freedom to expand in the future.
“Of course, we have room to grow, and everything we have so far has been donated,” she said. “EQT was a big factor. We take donations to raise the money, and that’s how we got the new rec center.”
Stoneking said there is already a striking number of options planned for the new building. For example, there will be an indoor soccer field, with batting cages that can be lowered down. Additionally, the soccer field can be divided into multiple fields to be used for tournaments and other events. There will also be a basketball court, complete with spectator bleachers, a game room with table games like foosball and air hockey, an art room with crafts and a gym with cardio and strengthening equipment.
“We’re just hoping that it helps out the community with having somewhere to go,” said Stoneking. “You can sign up as a family.”
Stoneking said EQT Rec Center will offer added benefits like membership classes, which will include Zumba, yoga and possibly kickboxing. Personal trainers and a massage room will also be available in the gym, at discounted rates
for members. “We’re trying to get a variety of classes, to accommodate everybody, and at a variety of times,”
said Stoneking.
Currently, the rec center, located near State Correction Institution: Greene, is still under construction. The road leading to the building and the parking lot was just paved last week, among other preparations.
In anticipation for the opening, hard-hat tours are being offered to the general public. Stoneking said that if community members register for membership before the rec center opens, they will qualify for “charter membership” and discounts.
Stoneking thinks the EQT Rec Center will have a remarkable impact on the daily routine of Waynesburg residents.
“I think it will give the community a little bit more leniency of having to do something and not having to travel out of town with their family,” she said. “I think it will bring us all closer together and make it a better community…getting in shape and fit and having fun all at the
same time.”
The Rec Center staff is currently working at the Foundation for Wellness while the building is under construction. Stoneking said that questions about memberships, accommodations and anything else concerning the new facility can be directed there, by calling 724-627-2739.