Community Members Hold Third Public Meeting for a Wilmington Recreation Center

Artistic Exploration

The third public meeting focused on a proposed Wilmington Community Recreation Center was held Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the City of Wilmington Municipal Building.

Organized by local residents, the meeting brought together parents, educators, healthcare representatives, former YMCA leaders, and community members to discuss how a modern recreation center could be funded, operated, and utilized by local families.

Attendees included Tim Nared, Dustin Pearce, Jeffrey and Lisa Homan, Jessica Manzo, Jason Stoops, Nick McCabe, Lee Curtis, Lizabeth Dent, Karen Jones, and Justine Sauza with Kettering Health.

As with previous meetings, organizers opened with a brief overview of the Wilmington YMCA’s closure in 2015 and the failed Clinton County joint recreation district levy in 2019 before shifting into discussions about the current community-led effort to develop a sustainable recreation center focused on year-round programming for youth, families, and seniors.

Among the amenities most frequently discussed were an indoor swimming pool, indoor walking and running track, indoor basketball courts, and an indoor soccer field capable of hosting larger events. Lisa Homan also highlighted growing interest in pickleball programs, volleyball leagues, and cooking classes for students, noting that grant opportunities may exist to support those types of recreational and educational programs.

Potential locations discussed included property near Wilmington High School, the former East End Elementary building, land near Denver Park, and property owned by the CIC near Walmart. However, Pearce emphasized that the current phase of the project is primarily focused on gathering public input, building community support, and identifying the most sustainable long-term model for a recreation center.

Pearce also shared that the City of Wilmington recently declined support for a collaborative recreation center fund during the June 8, 2026 City Revitalization Grant Committee meeting. During that meeting, Mayor Haley expressed concern that the initiative may be seen as “competing” with his vision to model East End after a community center in Yellow Springs, Ohio, likely referring to either John Bryon Community Center or The Wellness Center at Antioch College.

A recurring theme throughout the evening was the need for more year-round opportunities for local youth. Several residents expressed concerns about limited activities for teenagers and children outside school hours, warning that a lack of positive outlets can contribute to crime or general restlessness. Others noted that many Wilmington-area families regularly travel to neighboring communities for sports training and recreation, with some attendees sharing that they currently use YMCAs in Xenia, Lebanon, Washington Court House, and Hillsboro despite living in Wilmington or Clinton County.

Tim Nared, who said he worked for the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati for more than a decade and later helped open a YMCA in Columbus, encouraged the group to study successful YMCA partnerships in communities such as Hamilton and Whitehall. Attendees also discussed the differences between city-operated recreation centers and YMCA partnerships, along with the advantages and challenges of each model.

Community members also discussed the financial challenges of operating a recreation center while keeping memberships affordable for families, seniors, and lower-income residents. Ideas included grants and sponsorships from local businesses. Jeff Homan suggested exploring the SilverSneakers program as a source of Medicare and insurance funding, while Tim Nared recommended researching grants aimed at supporting minority communities. Justine Sauza also noted that Kettering Health offers grants for projects aligned with the healthcare system’s mission.

During the meeting, Dustin Pearce shared that a short-term goal of the initiative is to establish a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit board to support the future construction, renovations, or ongoing operation of a Wilmington recreation center, along with a collaborative fund through the Clinton County Foundation. Pearce said approximately $2,000 has already been raised toward the initial $25,000 goal needed to formally establish the fund. Community members interested in supporting the project can donate at wilmingtonreccenter.com.

Attendees were encouraged to stay involved, provide feedback, and consider serving on a future nonprofit board or steering committee as planning efforts continue. Additional information and updates on future meetings are expected to be shared publicly as discussions move forward.