Shawano Recreation Center reopening

The Shawano Recreation Center is reopening to the public on Jan. 15 after the Shawano Common Council voted unanimously on the measure.

The issue came up during the council’s meeting on Jan. 13 during a status report on city facilities. Most of the city buildings have remained closed due to the continued coronavirus pandemic, including the recreation center.

However, several council members brought up that they had heard from constituents that they want to see the recreation center open so they could use the pool and athletic facilities and not have to travel to other communities or to use pricier facilities in the city.

“I can understand the reason to keep the civic center closed and keep it safe,” said Alderwoman Lisa Hoffman, who noted that she brought the issue up with the city in December. “I would still like to see the rec (center) open.”

Alderman Seth Mailahn echoed Hoffman’s sentiments, noting that many of his constituents have asked him about the issue.

“I’ve had a lot of people asking me why it’s not open,” Mailahn said.

Alderwoman Sandy Steinke recommended opening the recreation center again, citing depression and mental health cases spiking inside and outside the area due to most activity places being closed to the public.

“There are a lot of people that are needing to get back out in life,” Steinke said.

Alderman John Hoeffs pointed out the city is losing people because Clintonville has its recreational facilities open, and many Shawano residents are traveling there for their fitness needs rather than the local recreation center.

“Why let them go there?” Hoeffs said.

Matt Hendricks, park and recreation director, said he had no issue with reopening the center, pointing out that his staff is currently healthy. He noted that he has a small staff, though, and if he had more than one person out sick with the coronavirus, flu or some other malady, that would impact how long the center could remain open.

“We don’t know what will happen tomorrow,” Hendricks said. “The facility, honestly, is in the best condition it’s been in since I started to work for the city as far as cleanliness and functionality. Our staff, right now, is healthy, except for one lifeguard who is out.”

Hendricks added that the recreation center has wanted to be open but must take precautions to avoid having to close again in case coronavirus cases surge again.

“We’re designed to bring people together and promote healthy lifestyles and be social,” Hendricks said.

Council members asked Hendricks if he needed more lead time to prepare for the reopening, but the director insisted he only needed a day.

During the closure, rec center staff have been able to work on mechanical upgrades, as well as upgrades to the pool, according to City Administrator Eddie Sheppard, but those have recently been completed.

The council also discussed whether the Shawano Civic Center should reopen but decided against it. The meals program is still in operation, according to Sheppard, but many of the activities like Bingo and in-person lunch service are facilitated by the state Department of Health Services, and those programs are not operating anywhere in Wisconsin.

The center is a shared facility with Shawano County, and Sheppard noted he spoke with Heidi Russell from the county’s aging unit and was told there were no issues with it being closed.

Alderwoman Jeanne Cronce agreed it was best that the civic center remain closed.

“I know people want to get in it for things like their exercise classes, but when I explained to them why we did it, they say, ‘Oh, that makes sense,’” Cronce said. “I think people understand. They may not like it, but they understand why we’re being cautious.”

City Hall is remaining closed to general foot traffic, Sheppard said, but office staff is bringing in people one at a time during the winter months instead of dealing with them outside.

“They don’t have to stay outside,” Sheppard said. “They can come in where it’s warm.”

Even with the closure, residents are being served quickly by front office staff without any delays in service, according to City Clerk Lesley Nemetz.

“Things are going fine the way we have it,” Nemetz said.

The public works office is also remaining closed, according to Sheppard.

lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com