Proposed California wellness center gets financial boost from state
CALIFORNIA – The California Area Parks and Recreation Association (CAPRA) has spent two years planning to build the Mon Fayette Wellness and Living Center with the hope of improving the quality of life in the California area. At a special reception Thursday evening, the Rev. Crisdecious prayed for God to bless the planning committee and their vision. It seems the association will receive a great financial blessing, as long as those involved in the California area can do their part.
State Rep. Peter J. Daley announced to a delighted audience that Gov. Edward Rendell has committed to provide $2 million dollars to the project through the Pennsylvania Department of Community Economic Development Grant.
“We are projecting a $4.8 million cost for this project,” Daley said. “This funding Gov. Rendell is providing has to be matched with $2.8 million.”
Daley said that getting the funding was “the first part of building the center,” and that it would be a reality, “depending on our efforts to match this money.”
The California Borough developed a recreation authority last year to oversee the development of the project. Harry Hall, engineer for the authority, explained the plans for what the wellness center will offer.
“The CAPRA wanted to provide a facility in the area that would offer recreational resources, which as a resident, I thought we needed,” said Hall, adding that this was his reason for being involved with the project.
“The first step was where we were going to put it,” said Hall, explaining that the location will be a 30-plus acre site off Edwards Street in California.
The mission of the CAPRA is to provide facilities and programs where people of all ages can enjoy a variety of recreational activities safely, inexpensively and in a wholesome environment. The wellness center would do this by providing access to an indoor swimming pool, exercise room, game room, and a meeting room for use by local civic organizations.
The group is also proposing outdoor recreational facilities including playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, pavilions, a walking trail, horse shoe pits, a horticulture area and possibly a skateboard park and camping area.
“A number of us see a need for something like this in Fayette County,” said Hall. “Just because we haven’t stuck a shovel in the ground and built anything yet, we still have the momentum and we will get there.”
Daley also encouraged the efforts of everyone locally to help bring this addition to the area.
“As a young man growing up here I had a vision to make this area the best it could be,” said Daley. “I wanted to keep our young people here, bring families here and develop the area. We have a lot of greatness here and the greatness is the people of this area. We knew building this center here would take a lot of time and a lot of work. But this would be wonderful for our region, for our kids and for our future.”
Although the large cost may seem to keep the wellness center out of reach, Daley said they would be seeking the help of corporate and private sponsors to help match the funding they have received. He said he also expects to get funding from foundations and other grants.
“I’m asking you to look to your friends and neighbors and help us find anyone we can talk to help us math that two million dollars,” said Daley. “We have the obligation to provide a legacy for our children. We all have the obligation that when we leave this earth, it is a little better than it was when we arrived. That is why we are all here.”
California Mayor Galvie Gardner said that while it has taken some time, he is optimistic that the project will be completed.
“It has been in the making for two years,” said Gardner. “We know that projects like these don’t happen over night. But you can see this evening that we are up and running.”