by Lisa Schauer
Morgan County Wellness Center, the county’s first public indoor fitness and recreation center, is seeking public input on potential uses for the 10,000 square foot facility.
Located in the former Rankin Fitness Center in Berkeley Springs, the center was purchased by the county back in March. 
Since then, center staff has focused on sprucing things up, restoring equipment, cleaning and upgrading the HVAC system, and making repairs needed to the roof.
Two new treadmills, a rowing machine, and a recumbent bike have been added to the strength and cardio fitness area in the last several months as well.
Morgan County Wellness Center, dubbed “The Well” by center director Matt Pennington, includes a 6,000 square-foot gym for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball games.
Introductory pickleball classes are now offered, with equipment included.
Volleyball and basketball coaches are encouraged to bring their teams to practice in the gym.
Certified fitness instructors are also welcomed, and the center will provide space for their classes. 
A 900-square-foot community room sits empty where the former owner filled in a pool with concrete.
As for the best use of the county’s new assets, the public’s input is being sought through a survey recently posted on Morgan County’s government website.
The interest survey allows respondents to pick their favorite recreational activities from a range of choices including creative arts, dance, Zumba, Pilates, yoga and Tai Chi.
Anyone can go to www.morgancountywv.gov and click on the link on the homepage to take the Morgan County Wellness Center interest survey.
“This is a community recreation center. We want to know how to maximize this center,” said Matt Pennington, director of Morgan County Wellness Center.
Pennington envisions a calendar packed with opportunities for community recreation and socialization. 
“Recreation is an opportunity to build relationships, and a sense of belonging,” he said.
Morgan County Wellness Center is open seven days a week, Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m.
Membership rate for Morgan County residents is $25 a month. Day passes are available for $5. Family memberships are also available.
The center has two full-time employees, and four part-time employees. Although none are certified trainers, they can demonstrate how the equipment is used.
Currently, there are around 400 members, and those who visit usually do so in the morning.
Gym visits are covered by Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan through the Silver Sneakers program for those 65 and older. About 75 seniors take advantage of this program at the center.
The old Rankin signs should be replaced by the fall, when a grand opening is planned. The existing physical therapy business continues to lease a separate space on the south end of the building.
Those interested in more information can call Morgan County Wellness Center at 304-258-5555.
