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WDEOC Collaboration Bringing Community Fitness Center to Whitehall

June 1, 2024

Three local groups are collaborating to open a free, accessible community fitness center within the Whitehall School District building at 19121 Hobson Street.

Kristin Walukas, RSVP Director at Western Dairyland EOC, worked with Melissa Youngbauer, Director of the Trempealeau County Aging & Disability Resource Center, and Whitehall Superintendent Mike Beighley to secure a $100,000 Livable Communities Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The funding is designed to address the issues of social isolation and loneliness and increase overall community livability, with a special focus on providing services to senior citizens.

“Social Isolation is as dangerous to the health of individuals as physical inactivity,” said Walukas. “This project ensures that everyone, including seniors, can benefit from the opportunity to participate in physical fitness activities together.”

Initial funds will be used to purchase exercise equipment and signage, and also provide training for staff. The fitness center will be partially run by volunteers from the Western Dairyland RSVP Program and will be open at no cost to the entire community residing in and around the city of Whitehall.

The facility is tentatively scheduled to open before the end of 2024. For more information about volunteering or donating to the project, contact Western Dairyland by email at info@wdeoc.org or by phone at 715-985-2391.