Second Public Meeting for Wilmington Rec Center Talks Potential Funding & Locations

Artistic Exploration

The second public meeting for the Wilmington Community Recreation Center Fund was held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 6pm to 7pm at the City of Wilmington Municipal Building.

Attendees included Bruce Saunders, President of the Clinton County Trails Coalition, Tom Dreyer, former Business Development Director for Ohio Living Cape May and current Vice President of Southwest Ohio for the National Christian Foundation, Shelly Knowles, and Dustin Pearce.

The meeting opened with an overview of the Wilmington YMCA closure in 2015 and the failed Clinton County joint recreation district levy in 2019. Pearce then presented a preliminary timeline for a Wilmington Rec Center project, stating "the first step we have the power to take is creating a fund to start accepting grants that help make the project real and reduce local tax burdens."

Pearce shared plans to establish a fund through the Clinton County Foundation that could support building (i.e. new construction), renovations (i.e. East End Elementary), or ongoing operations of a community recreation center through partnerships with local organizations and community stakeholders. Pearce also stated that he plans to request support toward the $25,000 minimum needed to establish the fund through the City Revitalization Grant Committee, which distributes Wilmington’s Retained Hotel Lodging Tax funds to projects that promote quality of life.

Potential Funding & Partnerships

Discussion during the meeting focused heavily on the importance of identifying long-term operational partners, such as a school system, healthcare provider, or senior services organization, to help support ongoing operational costs for the sustainability of a future recreation center.

Dreyer suggested reaching out to TriHealth because of its partnership with the City of Mason Community Center, as well as Kettering Health due to its recent expansion in Wilmington. Attendees discussed how healthcare providers could potentially lease office space within the facility to help offset operational costs and reduce future taxpayer burden.

Pearce added that local businesses could also sponsor signage in the center, just like the Wilmington Parks & Rec Department currently does on the baseball fields at Denver Park.

Swimming Pool & Other Amenities

Dreyer stated that the lack of an indoor community swimming pool was “one of the biggest complaints” he regularly heard from residents during his time at Cape May. Pearce agreed and noted that a rec center could potentially host countywide swim teams and lessons as well.

Knowles also emphasized the need for indoor volleyball courts in addition to other amenities outlined in the previous public meeting—indoor basketball courts, running track, and soccer field.

East End & Other Location Options

Attendees also discussed the City of Wilmington’s consideration of purchasing the former East End Elementary building from Wilmington City Schools for a potential recreation center.

Pearce stated that city administration had identified a recreation center as one potential use for the building, noting that the property was being offered at a favorable price and could provide flexibility for future redevelopment, repurposing, or resale if community needs evolve.

Knowles expressed concern about vacant buildings, stating, “I hate to see old buildings vacant,” and referenced how a former high school in Pickaway County was into converted into senior living.

The group also discussed alternative concepts for East End Elementary, including leasing classrooms to a childcare provider while allowing the gymnasium to serve Wilmington's Parks & Recreation youth basketball programs. Saunders noted that this approach could potentially require fewer renovations because the building is already designed for classroom use.

After discussing East End, attendees then considered other locations, such as near Wilmington High School or Denver Park. Pearce mentioned that in their last meeting, the idea of near the airpark was mentioned. Saunders stated that the Wilmington CIC, a quasi-government agency, already owns land near Walmart and the airpark, and could be approached about a rec center.

Next Steps

• Fundraising: A community-led GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help establish the $25,000 Wilmington Recreation Center Fund through the Clinton County Foundation.
  

• Public Meetings: The next public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 6pm to 7pm at the City of Wilmington Municipal Building.
  

• Get Involved: Residents interested in helping with project planning, fundraising, or community outreach efforts are encouraged to email wilmingtonreccenter@gmail.com.