A new wellness center in Humboldt Park, designed to be a hub for community health and fitness, has officially opened its doors. Spanning 45,500 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility at 2933 W. Division St. includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a gym, a track, and various exercise classes for all ages. Members can enjoy amenities like a rehabilitation room for therapies along with nutritional counseling and cooking classes.
The center, completed in December 2022, offers different membership plans ranging from $68 to $170 per month, with a promotional waiver of the $150 joining fee for early sign-ups. Sliding-scale options are available for households earning less than $70,000, and subsidized memberships are offered to local employees and community partners. “This center represents health equity in action,” said José Sánchez, President and CEO of Humboldt Park Health, emphasizing the facility’s commitment to community access.
Significant community support is evident, as local leaders and residents celebrated the $30 million investment that made the wellness center possible. State Senator Omar Aquino remarked on the importance of such investments in ensuring health opportunities for local families, stating, “This is what health equity looks like.”
Health disparities in the area are stark, with diabetes rates significantly higher than in other neighborhoods and food insecurity affecting nearly half of local households. The wellness center’s aim is to address these issues proactively, promoting healthier lifestyles within the community. Ald. Jessie Fuentes highlighted the necessity of such preventive services, emphasizing that health and wellness should be accessible to all, not just the affluent.
As part of a broader plan, construction on the wellness center commenced in March 2023, with plans for further development including affordable housing and commercial buildings surrounding the hospital. This initiative aims to boost community health and utilize hospital land for the greater good, paving the way for a healthier future in Humboldt Park.
The $30 million Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center has opened, providing vital health and fitness services in a modern facility. Membership plans range from $68-$170 per month, with sliding-scale options for lower-income households. Community leaders emphasize the importance of this center in addressing local health disparities and promoting equitable health access.
The Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center aims to enhance community health through diverse fitness options and support services. Its opening reflects significant investment in health equity, allowing wider access to essential health resources while tackling local health disparities. The facility serves as a sanctuary for residents, encouraging a shared commitment to wellness and healthy living.
Original Source: blockclubchicago.org
