Wasco Gym and Fitness Center to see major upgrades

The Wasco Gym and Fitness Center is set to receive big funding for upgrades, thanks to approval from city leaders and the hard work and dedication of its all-volunteer crew.

Located outside the east end of the Wasco School Events Center, the Wasco Gym and Fitness Center will soon see an investment of up to $15,000 to update the interior and much of the exercise equipment.

Wasco City Council voted Tuesday, Feb. 20, to designate money from its community development funds to the facility, which is in dire need of new equipment.

The Wasco Gym is heavily used by Sherman County's active pickleball league. It's also regularly used for youth basketball practice in winter and serves as an event rental space for activities, indoor athletics, laser tag and open gym.

The attached Fitness Center features treadmills and exercise equipment, most of which is fairly outdated. The funds are intended to upgrade this equipment, which recently has been increasingly used by folks recovering from surgery who need to do light rehabilitation and physical therapy on their own time.

Membership to the Gym and Fitness Center is available to residents and visitors for a nominal monthly fee. The facility is managed and maintained by an all-volunteer crew, led by Wasco residents Gena Arthur and Jennifer Smith.

They are considering investing in a scheduling app to help users see when the gym is booked and when it is available. Arthur said she is grateful for the funding and they are excited to get started with the upgrades.

"We are looking at purchasing a multi-weight gym, rower, treadmill, spin bike and a few other items," she said.

While the gym is used for pickleball seven days a week, Arthur said she is looking forward to building membership and increased use of the adjacent fitness center.

Managers will also be looking into major grant funding this year for a much-needed new roof and exterior paint job for the facility.