The community leaders from the city, school, library and hospital shared the “Wadsworth Community Campus Building Massing Idea" at a public meeting on May 29. The plan presented includes a new high school and a community health and wellness center. This was the third community meeting since the Wadsworth Community Survey was conducted.
Background: The collaborative effort started when Wadsworth City Schools moved up on the list to receive money from the Ohio School Facility Commission (OSFC). The OSFC is helping fund schools in an effort to improve the quality of Ohio school facilities. The Wadsworth City School district has now been assessed by OSFC, and the Wadsworth City Board of Education is currently reviewing their master plan. The high school is not the only building on that list since the OSFC feels every building needs to be assessed. The school district has to agree on a plan where the state will provide 36 cents on the dollar for approved projects, and then must raise the remaining money.
Some of the amenities planned for in a new high school were also amenities being sought by the City of Wadsworth; WRH Health Systems; the Center for Older Adults; and the Wadsworth Public Library. The cost savings to a community that shares recreation facilities, swimming pools, health and wellness centers, and staffing could not be ignored. A partnership was formed.
Recently, a building concept was selected, reflecting a vision whereby a retired community member can attend functions at the Center for Older Adults, walk on the indoor track, go to their scheduled doctor’s appointment, and receive physical therapy, all without ever leaving the community center. Students at the high school and middle school can have their sports therapy or orthodontic appointments without needing to leave school. Adults can swim with their children, drop books at the library, check their youngsters in at daycare, and finish with their own workout in the fitness center.
This effort started with a community survey and, after listening to what the public desired, has resulted in this proposed plan. Future meetings and continued input from community members will be posted on this website and the websites of each participating member.
Dale Fortner, Superintendent of Wadsworth City Schools
Robin Laubaugh, Mayor of Wadsworth
Jim Pope, CEO and President of WRH Health System
C. Allen Nichols, Director of Wadsworth Public Library
May 29th presentation (This is a large file, so it may a few minutes to download.)