CHEBOYGAN — Cheboygan Area Schools is making progress on getting a new fitness center up and running.
According to Superintendent Spencer Byrd, the flooring for the fitness center has arrived and is expected to be completed by the end of the week. The new equipment is expected to be moved in the week of Jan. 22.
The goal is to have the project completed by the end of the month, with a formal opening and ribbon cutting — hosted with the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce — in early February.
New weightlifting equipment will come into the center. A few iPads were also purchased to be brought in to allow students to use them to use different online resources and find different workout routines. In about a month or so, a few cardio machines will be coming in as well, depending on how much space is available for them.
“We’re really excited about the unveiling of this new space,” Byrd said.
The fitness center is located where the old fitness center was. The old equipment was moved to Inverness Academy so the students that attend the school will be able to have their own exercise area. Some equipment may be moved to the middle school for their use as well.
“I think the kids are excited about this new space,” Byrd said. “I think some of our coaches are excited about this new space, giving some of our athletes an opportunity to have access to some different types of equipment and to exercise technology. So it’s creating a little bit of a positive buzz, which is a good thing for our school district.”
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While it is still pending board approval, Byrd said he would like to see the space be open to the community, even if just for limited hours maybe before or after school.
“My perspective is anytime that we can create a space that can be utilized by both the students and the community, that’s a more valuable space,” Byrd said.
Byrd, who likes to stay active himself, said he liked the idea of having a “Byrd Bootcamp” for about an hour before school for interested community members to attend.
In addition to new workout equipment and flooring, the fitness center will have freshly-painted walls, one of which has a “Chief Nation” logo on it to bring in “a little bit of spirit to the area,” Byrd said.
— Contact reporter Karly Graham at[email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at@KarlyGrahamJRN.