Elwood Fitness Center - Franklin College

- 642-674 Grizzly Dr, Franklin, IN 46131

Hello, Hoosiers! When you think of a gym, you might picture a modern, sprawling facility with the latest equipment. While many gyms fit this description, some have a rich history that adds a unique layer to their purpose. For residents of Franklin, Indiana, the Elwood Fitness Center at Franklin College is a prime example of a place where history and health intersect. This isn't just a place to work out; it's a historic landmark being transformed into a modern fitness hub for students and the wider community. We're here to provide a clear and engaging overview of what makes the Elwood Fitness Center a unique and promising addition to the local wellness scene.

The Elwood Fitness Center holds a special place in Indiana history. Originally constructed in the early 1900s and expanded in the 1920s to accommodate crowds for the legendary "Wonder Five" basketball team, it is known to be the oldest college gymnasium in the state. This historical significance is a point of local pride. While it is currently used for limited practice activities, Franklin College has secured a significant commitment to restore and renovate this iconic building. This ambitious project will preserve the exterior's architectural integrity while transforming the interior into a modern, functional space for students and the community to pursue fitness, recreational, and athletic activities.

The renovation is a testament to Franklin College's commitment to improving its resources for both students and the public. As part of a larger network of facilities that includes the Spurlock Center, Grizzly Park, and the Johnson Memorial Health Athletic Annex, the soon-to-be-renovated Elwood Fitness Center will give the college an increased advantage in student recruitment and will demonstrate a commitment to an improved co-curricular experience. This means that the local community will also benefit from enhanced resources that will extend to the daily fitness and wellness activities of everyone who uses the facility. The renovation plans are set to create a space that is not only modern and functional but also a respectful tribute to its past.

The dual purpose of the facility—serving both the college and the community—is a significant feature. The renovation plans specifically mention that the gymnasium will be restored primarily for "recreational use," while the lower level will be transformed to support the college's athletic teams with new office, locker room, and support areas. This balanced approach ensures that the facility will serve a wide range of needs. For locals, this means a new, modern space for their fitness activities right in the heart of Franklin, without having to travel far. It's a great example of a local institution giving back to the community and providing a valuable resource.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the specific details of the Elwood Fitness Center, based on the information available about its current state and its future potential. We will explore its location, accessibility, and what makes it a compelling choice for residents of Indiana. This comprehensive guide is designed to give you a complete picture of this historic and forward-looking gym.

Location and Accessibility

The Elwood Fitness Center is located at 642-674 Grizzly Dr, Franklin, IN 46131, USA. Its location on the Franklin College campus places it in a central and easily recognizable part of the city. While it primarily serves the college community, its proximity to other parts of Franklin makes it a convenient option for local residents. The surrounding Grizzly Park complex, with its outdoor athletic facilities, further enhances the overall experience for those who enjoy combining indoor workouts with outdoor activities.

Accessibility is a key priority at the Elwood Fitness Center. The facility provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot. These features ensure that individuals with mobility challenges can access the gym and its future amenities with ease. The commitment to accessibility is a sign that the facility is being designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all members of the community, which is a positive step forward.

Services Offered

Based on the available information regarding the renovation plans, the services offered at the Elwood Fitness Center are being transformed and expanded.

• Recreational Use: The restored gymnasium will be used primarily for recreational activities. While the details of these activities are not fully available, this suggests a focus on sports like basketball and other indoor sports.
• Fitness and Athletic Activities: The interior of the building is being transformed into a "modern, functional space for students to pursue fitness, recreational, and athletic activities." This is a broad description that implies the inclusion of various types of equipment and workout areas to support different fitness goals.
• Historical Value: While not a traditional service, the gym’s history as the home of the "Wonder Five" basketball team is a unique and significant feature that adds a special element to the user experience.

Features / Highlights

The Elwood Fitness Center is a work in progress, but its key features are already quite compelling.

• Historic Landmark: The building itself is a historic landmark and the oldest college gym in Indiana. Its restoration will preserve a piece of local history while creating a modern space.
• Restroom: The facility includes a restroom for the convenience and comfort of all users.
• Accessibility: The wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot make the facility welcoming to a wide range of individuals.
• Community Focus: The renovation plans are not just for the college; they are designed to provide a valuable resource for the entire Franklin and Johnson County community.

Contact Information

For those interested in the future of the Elwood Fitness Center at Franklin College, its address is:

Address: 642-674 Grizzly Dr, Franklin, IN 46131, USA

What is worth choosing

For residents of Indiana, especially those in the Franklin area, the Elwood Fitness Center at Franklin College presents a unique opportunity. While it may not yet be a fully operational, modern gym for the public, its planned transformation makes it a place to watch. The combination of its historical significance and its future as a state-of-the-art, multi-use facility makes it a compelling choice. This is an investment in the local community's health and wellness, and by choosing to support a facility like this, you are also supporting the preservation of a local landmark.

The commitment to accessibility is another strong reason to consider the Elwood Fitness Center once it is fully renovated. The fact that the college is making it a point to be an inclusive space for everyone speaks volumes about their values. When this facility is complete, it will be a perfect blend of past and future, offering modern amenities in a setting with a rich history. For Hoosiers who want a gym with a story, and a space that is designed with the entire community in mind, the Elwood Fitness Center is a truly promising and worthy choice.

Elwood Fitness Center - Franklin College

642-674 Grizzly Dr, Franklin, IN 46131, USA