John Brown University’s Walton Lifetime Health Complex (WLHC) reopens with a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 11:30 a.m. to celebrate its $5 million renovation.
With JBU students, JBU employees and the Siloam Springs community regularly using the facility, the renovation provides a new community entrance that creates better access to the fitness center, tennis courts, community trail and includes an expanded parking area. The update also expanded the cardio and light weight areas, upgraded fitness equipment for cardio and strength training, updated and extended the HVAC system, renovated existing and added new locker rooms, refurbished the pool mechanical systems and installed new decking in Hub White Pool.
“The WLHC is one of the primary ways JBU engages with our community through wide-ranging fitness programming, local swim team programs, summer camps and connection to the trails,” Dr. Chip Pollard, JBU president, said. “We are deeply grateful to our many friends and financial partners who helped make this project a reality, including the people of Simmons Foods, the Soderquist Family Foundation, the Chapman Trusts, the Mabee Foundation, the City of Siloam Springs, the La-Z-Boy Foundation, Nabholz Charitable Foundation, McKee Foods and Arvest Bank. It is wonderful to live in a community in which public and private partnerships can benefit the whole community.”
“Because of the facility revamp, we hope to add new recreational programs to the already existing programs,” Robyn Daugherty, athletic director, said. “The improved facility will provide a welcoming environment for the JBU family and the Siloam Springs’ community in helping promote health and wellness.”
The renovation is a part of the university’s $125 million Campaign for the Next Century, of which $32 million is designated for new facilities and renovations. JBU has currently raised more than $96.7 million and plans to complete the campaign on JBU’s centennial in 2019.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top ranked regional university (U.S. News Best Colleges, 2017), JBU enrolls more than 2,700 students from 40 states and 37 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, degree completion and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 39 majors, with top programs including business administration, graphic design, engineering, construction management, counseling, teacher education and nursing.