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Holmes Community College held a ribbon cutting and open house on Thursday morning for the newly renovated HealthPlex in Kosciusko.
The College renovated and opened the facility in June 2020 but completed another phase of renovation to an additional portion of the building to increase offerings to the community.
The HealthPlex is located in the old Swoll’s Gym on Highway 12 in Kosciusko. The business closed and sat empty for a while before the college recognized the need for a workout facility for Kosciusko and the surrounding areas.
“For years, local residents found the HealthPlex a hub for physical and mental well-being. It was a part of life for so many. Sadly, when Jeff (the owner of Swoll’s gym and a proud Holmes graduate) passed away and the gym closed, a little part of the community died also. So many people desperately wanted someone to reopen the HeathPlex.” Holmes President Dr. Jim Haffey said. “So we started making some inquiries to see if there were any other individuals in town who would want to open the gym. In reality, the barriers for entry were really steep for a lot of people to afford and take it on and put the money into it so it continued to sit vacant. That was unfortunate because it had so much potential and sits at the entrance to our city.
“We kept looking at it and crunching the numbers, and we said let’s give it a try,” he said. “We bought it, renovated it, and we think it looks fantastic. We’ve had dozens of people come up to us and thank us for reopening the gym. I think a community like this needs a place to congregate, build relationships and most importantly be healthy, and so we are super excited to be able to do this in Kosciusko. We appreciate the support. We have well over 500 members now, and so it’s a good investment for us.”
Kosciusko Attala Partnership Executive Director Darren Milner and Kosciusko Mayor Tim Kyle were also on hand for ceremony.
“On behalf of the Kosciusko Attala Partnership and the City of Kosciusko, we would like to thank Dr. Haffey, his staff and Holmes Community College for the investment in our community, your support of Kosciusko through the Attala Center and this HealthPlex,” Milner said. “I’m not alone when I say it takes a vision for growth, great relationships, networking and a lot of work to bring ideas to reality and Holmes saw a need, found the place and now our community can be very excited that we get to enjoy the many benefits that the Holmes HealthPlex has and will continue to offer.”
“I wanted to extend a thank you to Dr. Haffey and Holmes Community College for expanding their footprint in our community,” Kosciusko Mayor Tim Kyle said. “Holmes has had an academic facility in Kosciusko for a long time, and they offer vocational training for our residents looking to start new careers. Now with Holmes HealthPlex they offer an affordable choice for not only education but also to keep our bodies healthy. Thank you for the great things that Holmes has done in the past and we know there will more to come.”
Justin Wilcher has also opened J’s Coffee next to the HealthPlex. “We are very excited Mr. Wilcher has opened the coffee shop adjacent to it, and I think it’s a perfect fit,” said Haffey.
HealthPlex Information
The facility is managed by Sandy Palmertree. She can be reached at (662) 290-6035 or at spalmertree@holmescc.edu. Her office hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Friday; and 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday.
Once a membership is paid, a patron can utilize the facility 24 hours a day.
The HealthPlex has treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes (recumbent and upright), stairclimber, arc trainer and water rowing machines. It also has multiple weight machines from light to heavy training. There are also squat racks and a smith machine for our heavy lifters and a dumbbell rack with weights ranging from 5-120 lbs.
In the most recent renovated area, there is a new turf area with a sled to push, battle ropes, and plenty of space to use steps and medicine balls for every training need. Spin bikes have been added as well complete with a 70-inch TV with an app guided workout when lessons are not being held.
There are also balance balls, resistance bands, and small dumbbells to provide a well-rounded training sessions. Mats are available as needed.
A Pilates class is held on Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and a spin class is offered on Tuesday and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m.-9:15 a.m., Tuesday afternoon at 4:30-5:15 p.m. and Thursday at 4-4:45 p.m.
Memberships are available to Holmes students, faculty/staff and to the general public.
Rates include: individual, three months prepaid,$90; six months prepaid, $150; 12 months prepaid, $300; or 12 month contract, $25/month; family of two, three months prepaid, $165; six months prepaid, $285; 12 months prepaid, $585; or 12 month contract, $45/month; family of three, three months prepaid, $240; six months prepaid, $420; 12 months prepaid, $870 or 12 month contract, $60/month; family of four, 12 month contract, $85/month.
The student rate is $45 per class semester and $30 for the summer. Faculty/staff can use the facility for free. Faculty and stuff must present their Holmes ID when joining the facility.
