ASHLAND — The Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center broke ground on a 20,185 square-foot expansion Friday morning at 527 East Liberty Street in Ashland.
The $7.2 million dollar project, which will include an indoor waterpark and fitness center, is expected to be complete early next summer.
The amenities could open before the end of summer 2021, according to Major Annalise Francis, an administrator at the Ashland Kroc Center.
“This expanded center will allow us to transform more lives and provide greater hope to those in need by offering affordable opportunities for health and wellness initiatives, year-round recreational attractions, educational programming and access to free social services,” Francis said.
The project is funded through an award from the original Joan Kroc gift to The Salvation Army, which was specifically designated for capital expansion projects only.
The expansion will feature an indoor waterpark and a fitness center, offering elliptical trainers, treadmills, circuit training and a space for stretching, pilates and yoga. Additional amenities include locker rooms, rooms for community rentals and multi-purpose rooms for program activities and educational classes.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions, the timing couldn’t be better, Francis said, as the Kroc Center strives to be a “beacon of light and hope in the community.”
The groundbreaking ceremony kicked off at 11 a.m. Friday with a welcoming speech from Francis and an invocation delivered by Major Suzanna Hickman, a Northeast Ohio divisional leader. Another divisional leader and Mayor Matt Miller then shared their remarks about the expansion plans.
“Ashland, Ohio, as long as we desire to do things with God, all things are possible,” said Major Evan Hickman, divisional leader. “Surviving this pandemic is possible; surviving losing a loved one during this pandemic is possible; surviving a long awaited expansion, yes, is possible; surviving a 40 degree day when it should be 70, is possible; with God, all things are possible.”
Underneath a tent, numerous elected officials gathered for the occasion. They stood more than six feet apart and wore masks.
“God is giving this as a symbol that there’s still much good things to come for Ashland,” said Mayor Matt Miller. “Life is going to continue and with what we’re launching today, tomorrow will be an even better experience for Ashland, an even better thing for Ashland.”
This project will be spearheaded by Simonson Construction as the general contractor and many other local subcontractors will take part as well, including BCU Electric.
“Being construction focused individuals, it’s hard for us not to get excited about any construction, but as proud members of this community on the rise there’s just some projects that mean a little more. The Kroc Center 2.0 — Mayor Miller’s tagline — is definitely one of those projects,” Simonson Construction said in a prepared statement read aloud by Francis Friday morning.
“Simonson Construction is grateful to be a part of expanding what we helped start a little over 12 years ago, and excited about this first ceremonial step of what we call the fun part of the project.”
Simonson served as the general contractor on the original construction the Kroc Center in 2009.
The project is anticipated to take between 12 to 15 months to complete. Updates on construction will be available on the Kroc Center’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
