Shawnee Community Center now planning February opening

The Shawnee Community Center is moving closer to the planned opening in the beginning of February.

Center founder Rebecca Wyatt Nevitt explained the progress in renovating the space in the Bonan Business Center - formerly the SIC Foundation Center.

"We got all the debris cleaned up, filled up I don't know how many dumpsters, and we a beginning to get the walls painted," Nevitt said. "I'm really excited about this."

Nevitt explained that she plans for the floor to be painted black and have a roll-up padded soccer mat for the soccer fundamentals classes the center will offer. In addition, the will be a rock climbing wall, an indoor exercise bicycle area, two half-court basketball goals and a concession area. And these will just be the activities offered upon opening. Nevitt plans a wide range of activities for the center ranging from mother and infant exercise classes to sewing, cooking, art and woodworking classes. The center will also offer a babysitting area for patrons who are attending classes.

Nevitt said Cody Morris and Carber Gregg will be teaching soccer fundamentals to age groups starting at 3 years old on up and the classes will be grouped by age. Private coaching will also be available. Nevitt added that the center has opened enrollment for the soccer classes through their Facebook page under the name Shawnee Community Center.

Nevitt has over 30 years experience in the fitness profession and currently operates a personal fitness training studio in the Bonan center.

"I really want to provide a place for people - especially the youth of the area - to go and have a good time in a safe environment," Nevitt said.

The community center can be found on Facebook and a webpage www.shawneecommuntiycenter.org.