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City of Wilmington extends Fit for Fun Center closure

Fit for Fun Center in Wilmington Set to Close Its Doors This Month, Leaving Community in Mourning

Wilmington, NC – In a move that has sent ripples of disappointment through families across the Cape Fear region, the beloved Fit for Fun Center is slated to shutter its operations by the end of this month. The announcement, made public earlier this week, marks the end of an era for a facility that has served as a cornerstone of childhood development, physical activity, and community engagement for over three decades. As parents, educators, and local officials grapple with the implications, the closure underscores broader challenges facing public recreational spaces in an era of tightening budgets and shifting priorities.

The Fit for Fun Center, located at 302 S. 10th Street in downtown Wilmington, has long been a go-to destination for families seeking affordable, interactive experiences for young children. Opened in 1993 as a collaborative effort between the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County, and various community partners, the center was designed to promote healthy lifestyles through play-based learning. Its mission has always centered on fostering physical fitness, social skills, and cognitive development in children aged 5 and under, with a particular emphasis on inclusive programming for those with special needs. Over the years, it has hosted countless birthday parties, field trips, and daily drop-in sessions, drawing thousands of visitors annually.

At its core, the center features a vibrant array of attractions tailored to spark imagination and encourage movement. The indoor playground, complete with climbing structures, slides, and obstacle courses, has been a highlight for energetic toddlers. Educational exhibits, such as interactive science stations and art corners, blend fun with learning, aligning with early childhood development standards. The facility also offers specialized classes like yoga for kids, sensory play workshops, and parent-child bonding activities. For many low-income families, the center's sliding-scale admission fees—often as low as $1 per child—have made it an accessible haven, especially during inclement weather or school holidays. "It's not just a playground; it's a lifeline for parents who need a safe space for their kids to burn off energy while learning," said Sarah Jenkins, a regular visitor and mother of two, in an interview with WECT.

The decision to close the center stems from a confluence of financial and infrastructural issues that have plagued the facility in recent years. According to city officials, the building, which is owned by New Hanover County, requires extensive repairs that would cost upwards of $500,000. These include updates to HVAC systems, roofing, and compliance with modern safety standards. Compounding the problem is a decline in funding; the center has relied on a mix of grants, donations, and municipal support, but post-pandemic economic pressures have led to budget shortfalls. In a statement released by the City of Wilmington's Parks and Recreation Department, Director Amy Beatty explained, "We've explored every avenue to keep the Fit for Fun Center operational, but the costs associated with necessary renovations have become unsustainable. This was not a decision made lightly, as we recognize the profound impact it has on our community."

The closure is part of a larger reorganization of recreational services in the area. Officials have indicated that some programming may be relocated to other facilities, such as the nearby Halyburton Park or the county's community centers. However, critics argue that these alternatives lack the specialized focus on early childhood that made Fit for Fun unique. "You're not just closing a building; you're dismantling a program that's irreplaceable," noted local advocate Maria Gonzalez, who has launched an online petition garnering over 2,000 signatures in just days. The petition calls for the county to reconsider the closure and explore public-private partnerships to fund renovations.

Community reactions have been swift and emotional, reflecting the deep-rooted affection for the center. Social media platforms are flooded with nostalgic posts from parents sharing photos of their children's first steps on the play mats or triumphant climbs up the mini rock wall. Long-time staff members, some of whom have worked there since its inception, express heartbreak over the impending loss. "I've watched generations of kids grow up here," shared lead educator Tom Reynolds. "From teaching them to share toys to helping them build confidence through play—it's been more than a job; it's been a calling." Reynolds and his colleagues are organizing farewell events throughout the month, including a "Memory Lane Day" where families can revisit favorite activities one last time.

The impact extends beyond immediate users. Educators from local preschools and daycares have utilized the center for field trips, integrating its resources into curricula focused on motor skills and socialization. Nonprofits like the Smart Start program have partnered with Fit for Fun for outreach initiatives targeting underserved populations. With the closure, these groups face the challenge of finding new venues, potentially straining already limited resources. Economically, the center has contributed to downtown Wilmington's vitality by attracting families who often patronize nearby businesses. Local shop owners, such as those at the adjacent cafes and boutiques, worry about a dip in foot traffic.

Looking back at the center's history provides context for its significance. Conceived in the early 1990s amid a national push for childhood obesity prevention, Fit for Fun was inspired by similar models in cities like Raleigh and Charlotte. It quickly became a model for interactive learning environments, earning accolades from the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association. Over the years, it has adapted to changing needs, incorporating technology like interactive touchscreens during the digital age and enhancing accessibility features post-ADA updates. Special events, such as holiday-themed play days and summer camps, have cemented its role in community traditions.

Yet, the closure highlights systemic issues in funding public amenities. In New Hanover County, where population growth has outpaced infrastructure investment, recreational facilities often compete with essential services like schools and public safety for dollars. A recent county budget report revealed a 15% cut in parks funding over the last five years, attributed to inflation and revenue shortfalls from tourism fluctuations. Advocates argue that investing in places like Fit for Fun yields long-term benefits, from healthier children to reduced healthcare costs. "Preventive programs like this save money in the long run," said Dr. Elena Ramirez, a pediatrician at Cape Fear Pediatrics. "Closing it now could lead to higher rates of sedentary behavior and developmental delays in our youngest residents."

As the final days tick down, efforts to preserve the center's legacy are underway. A community fundraiser aims to salvage equipment and donate it to local schools or nonprofits. Meanwhile, city planners are discussing the site's future, with possibilities ranging from redevelopment into affordable housing to a new multi-use community space. For now, though, the focus is on saying goodbye. Families are encouraged to visit before the doors close on June 30, creating one last wave of laughter and play in a space that has touched so many lives.

In the broader landscape of Wilmington's evolving recreational scene, the loss of Fit for Fun serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of community treasures. As one parent poignantly put it, "This isn't just about fun—it's about building the foundations for our children's futures." While alternatives may emerge, the unique spirit of the center will be sorely missed, leaving a void in the hearts of those who called it home.

This closure comes at a time when national conversations about child wellness are intensifying. With childhood obesity rates on the rise and screen time dominating young lives, facilities like Fit for Fun play a critical role in countering these trends. Experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasize the importance of unstructured play for brain development, something the center excelled at providing. Locally, organizations like the YMCA and private gyms are stepping up to fill gaps, but they often come with higher costs and less emphasis on early childhood specifics.

Parents like Jenkins are already scouting options, from outdoor parks to home-based activities, but many express concern over the loss of a weather-proof, structured environment. "Rainy days will be tougher now," she said. The emotional toll is evident in support groups forming online, where stories of first friendships formed at the center abound.

Officials promise that lessons learned from Fit for Fun will inform future projects. Beatty mentioned potential grants for a revamped facility elsewhere, though timelines remain vague. In the interim, the community is rallying—volunteers are archiving photos and stories for a digital memory book, ensuring the center's impact endures.

As Wilmington bids farewell to this cherished institution, the closure prompts reflection on what makes a community thrive. It's not just buildings, but the experiences within them that shape us. The Fit for Fun Center may be closing, but its legacy of joy, growth, and connection will linger long after the lights go out. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full WECT Article at:
[ https://www.wect.com/2025/06/19/fit-fun-center-close-month/ ]