PACC Gets an Upgrade
By Heather Rule
Expanded and improved! The Perham Area Community Center (PACC) is getting a much-needed expansion and upgrade, all set to be complete late next year or early 2023. (Phased construction means it’s never fully-closed). Nearly doubling in size, some of the additions and improvements include a therapy pool, updated locker rooms, three party rooms, a spin studio, a cardio studio, a new free-weight area, a new
senior workout area, a child-watch area, an indoor playland, a new group exercise studio and a climbing wall.
The aquatic center was the first phase, with a revamped space and updated locker rooms areas. The facility still offers a kiddie pool, hot tub, sauna, main pool and water slide. Improvements included new lighting, drain system and new flooring. The new therapy pool is attached, another helpful addition since there really aren’t any therapy pools around the area, according to Leigh Shebeck, executive director of the PACC.
“We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback that (people) like the color, they like the flooring, they like the new tiling,” said Shebeck.
The fitness center with free weight room, senior workout area and cardio area are state-of-the-art facilities. “We have a lot of new equipment coming in,” Shebeck said. “So, we’re really highlighting the fitness and wellness side of things.” The indoor playland – think McDonald’s Play Place only “10 times bigger” – is scheduled to open this summer. There will be a toddler area, and kids ages 5 to 12 will be able to use the main play area. With the new child-watch program for PACC members, adults can drop their child off to play in the playland for an hour at a time while parents use the workout facilities, shop etc. It’s a program members have asked about for a long time, Shebeck said.
From its original purpose 33 years ago to provide additional gym space for the neighboring school, the expansion adds about 60,000 to 70,000 square feet.
Besides new space and amenities, cosmetic and structural improvements are also needed. New air ducts, new heating and cooling systems, fresh paint and wall insulation are part of the phased construction project that started in March 2021.
All the improvements to the PACC are funded through sales tax and fundraising and will be a $10 million to $12 million project. This is the final phase of a three-tier project.
To use most of the facility, users can be members or sign up for day passes or punch cards. However, the child-watch program is for PACC members only.
For more information about PACC, visit: PerhamAreaCommunityCenter.net.