Robinson Daily News

McDonald to head county rec center

Construction to be completed soon

McDonald

A longtime Crawford County resident and business owner has been named as executive director of the Crawford County Recreation Center.
Dan McDonald was selected from a pool of more than 45 applicants to run the new facility on the Lincoln Trail College campus.
“I am extremely happy to be part of the CCRC,” McDonald said. “As a 30-year resident and longtime business owner in the county, I see the CCRC as having many different facets: a health and wellness place for our community, or an outlet for intramural activities, or a place for social gathering.
“Businesswise, it is that also… a business that the county needs for our current population and one that might help draw potential new residents,” he added.
“It really can be and/or do many different things. I am really excited for my home county and I am honored that I am being trusted with leading the staff at CCRC.”
McDonald says his vision for the CCRC is to make it a destination for area residents.
“My real vision is that everyone in the county will look at the CCRC as their place,” he said. “Not only a place of physical fitness, but an actual fun place to go. A place that feels inclusive and offers a sense of belonging.”
The rec center will follow a similar model to that of a YMCA according to McDonald.
The center will offer traditional fitness equipment, such as treadmills and free weights, along with an indoor walking track. Additionally, the CCRC will have activity rooms that will allow for a variety of different fitness and recreation classes and a gymnasium that will allow for sports like basketball, pickleball and volleyball.
The CCRC will also take over the operation of the recently-renovated indoor pool at LTC and McDonald said the plan is to expand its availability and use. There are also plans to use the grounds around the CCRC to put on events like soccer, 5Ks and triathlons.
“All that stated, perhaps our biggest amenity will be the Hershey childcare room. Members will be able to bring children with them and have supervised childcare for their children to stay and play, while the parent is exercising or taking a structured class.”
The rec center is a grassroots effort of several community members who had a goal of improving the lives of people in Crawford County. Many local businesses and industries and individuals have contributed to the project.
Construction on the CCRC started in the fall of 2022 and is expected to be completed this summer.
“We are really excited to welcome the community, and we appreciate their patience as we have worked our way through the design and build out,” McDonald said.
“We know there will be a few growing pains, but that is expected with any new operation. What I really want people to know is every person who visits us at the CCRC will be treated like the most important member we have, because they are.”

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