Wahoo Civic Center
The Need for a Modern Facility
The city-owned Civic Center has served Wahoo since the building’s opening as a high school in 1949 and its repurposing in 1978. With a growing population and expanding programs, the facility has reached the limits of its capacity and flexibility.
Existing Conditions
The Civic Center has reached its capacity, while the demand for more recreational activities has increased.
- Monthly log counts range between 4,000 and 5,000; this number only includes informal “drop-in” patrons, not members.
- Sports like basketball, volleyball, and pickleball share the only city-owned indoor gym space.
- About a third of members reside outside of the city. Enhanced amenities are needed to cover the needs for both the local and greater Wahoo area.
With the original building constructed in 1949, maintenance and upkeep are becoming less manageable.
- The building is not fully ADA compliant, especially with no elevator in the facility.
- Continual renovation of the space will only provide short-term benefits as the aging facility will require more maintenance costs over time.
The building's original design is not ideal for all recreational uses and has reached its limit for how many times spaces can be repurposed.
- The layout offers limited opportunities for flexible, open spaces that support community gatherings and programs.
- The weight and fitness rooms have limited space. More than six people in the weight room can feel crowded.
- Activities often overlap, with some programs, like gymnastics and the general fitness area, sharing the same space.
- The pool was added in the mid-1990s and is reaching its life expectancy.
Essential Features of a New Facility
- More gym/recreational space – To accommodate increased demand for sport courts such as basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.
- Multifunctional spaces – Areas that can be used for a wide range of uses and programming.
- Increased amenities and ADA compliance – Amenities and opportunities for all residents to engage in, while being fully ADA compliant.
What Will the Future Look Like?
The historic high school gym, Senior Center, and Thrift Store will remain community staples. The City is evaluating available space within the community to expand civic and recreational activity for all.
Questions?
Contact us at buildingourfuture@wahoo.ne.us
Read the full fact sheet here: Civic Center Fact Sheet.pdf