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Over $417K being invested into LPD fitness center

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 18:54 GMT by KGNS-TV
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City Approves $417,000 to Build New Fitness Center for Police Department

Longview, Sept. 8, 2025 – The City Council’s Capital Projects Committee yesterday unanimously approved a $417,000 investment in a brand‑new fitness center for the Long Point District Police Department (LPD). The facility, slated to open in early 2026, will provide officers with a dedicated space to maintain physical fitness, reduce stress, and foster stronger ties with the community.

Why a new fitness center?

Police officers face a unique combination of physical and psychological demands. “The pandemic heightened the mental and physical strain on our officers,” said Police Chief Emily Rojas at the committee hearing. “We’ve seen increased rates of fatigue, anxiety, and sleep disorders. A dedicated fitness center will be a critical resource for our staff’s overall well‑being.”

The city’s investment is part of a broader effort to promote wellness across public service agencies. In the 2025‑26 City Budget (link: https://www.cityoflongview.gov/2025budget), the capital improvements section lists a $417,000 allocation under “Law Enforcement Wellness.” The budget notes that the funding will be matched by a federal “Health & Safety” grant totaling $100,000, bringing the total project cost to $517,000.

What the center will look like

Architectural plans released by the city’s Planning Department (link: https://www.cityoflongview.gov/planning/LPDfitnesscenter), show a 4,500‑square‑foot structure on the north side of the LPD headquarters. The design includes:

• Weight‑lifting and resistance‑training area with free‑weights, functional‑training equipment, and a state‑of‑the‑art weight rack.
• Cardio zone featuring treadmills, rowing machines, and an elliptical machine, all equipped with monitored heart‑rate tracking.
• Yoga & Pilates studio with a mirrored wall, sound‑proofing, and adjustable lighting to accommodate group classes and individual practice.
• Recovery room with foam‑rollers, massage tables, and a hydro‑therapy tub. The space will also house a private counseling room for officers seeking mental‑health support.
• Multi‑purpose hall that can be used for tactical drills, community workshops, and after‑shift social events.

The center will also incorporate eco‑friendly features such as low‑flow lighting, a rainwater harvesting system for showers, and a green roof to offset the building’s heat island effect.

Funding and partnership

While the city will finance the bulk of the capital costs, the LPD will also contribute $20,000 for specialized equipment and a $10,000 donation toward the “Community Wellness Program” that will run within the facility. The federal grant will specifically cover the recovery room and mental‑health counseling space.

“Partnering with the city and the federal government is a win‑win for our officers and the community,” Chief Rojas said. “The investment isn’t just about a gym; it’s about building resilience and trust.”

The project will be managed by the city’s Construction Services Division, with oversight from the LPD’s Wellness Committee and the city’s Capital Projects Board. A private contractor, GreenFit Construction Inc., has been selected after a competitive bidding process. The contract, worth $415,000, includes a 12‑month timeline from groundbreaking to opening.

Community response

The announcement has been met with broad support from local residents, business leaders, and advocacy groups. In a letter to the council, Longview Chamber of Commerce President Marcus Lee wrote, “Investing in officer wellness is an investment in the safety and vitality of our entire community. We commend the city for taking this step.”

A community forum held on Sept. 2, 2025 (link: https://www.longviewforum.org/fitnesscenter), saw residents discuss how the new center could host free fitness classes for the public and serve as a venue for health‑education workshops. “I want to be part of something that benefits everyone,” said 27‑year‑old student Jasmine Park. “If officers get to train here, it’ll inspire us to keep fit too.”

Project timeline and milestones

The LPD will conduct a “soft launch” in May to allow officers to familiarize themselves with the equipment and provide feedback on any adjustments. The official grand opening, attended by city officials, community members, and local media, will be held in June.

Looking ahead

City Manager Thomas Greene emphasized that the LPD fitness center is part of a long‑term strategy to modernize public‑service facilities. “We’re also exploring additional wellness initiatives such as on‑site nutritional counseling, sleep‑management workshops, and a mobile health unit for community outreach,” he said.

Chief Rojas added, “Our officers’ health directly impacts their ability to serve and protect. This facility will be a cornerstone of that effort.”

As the city moves forward with the project, residents will be kept informed through monthly updates on the city’s website (link: https://www.cityoflongview.gov/LPDfitness), the LPD’s official page, and local news outlets. The new fitness center will stand as a testament to Longview’s commitment to both public safety and community wellness.