Here in Livingston, a new development has been raising excitement among many residents. Currently being built on the grounds of Katie Bonnell Park on M Street, the 4 Ranges Wellness Center is set to become a centerpiece of the community when it is completed in the winter between 2026 and 2027. The center is expected to house a gym, offices, a childcare program, indoor walking and running track, recreation and lap pools, party room, and an ample amount of lockers and changing rooms to fit all the uses of the center. For the last few years, the foundation building the wellness center has worked to raise $25.5 million to begin construction, and on November 21, ground was broken, beginning a new chapter for getting active in Livingston.
Several PHS students, along with a teacher, agreed to interviews regarding their thoughts on the new wellness center. Social studies teacher Bryan Beitel supported the idea of the wellness center, but had thoughts about its location. “The location isn’t great, and I wish it was closer to the school district,” Beitel said. “It would be easier for students to get there if it was closer.” Several students shared the sentiment of Beitel, regarding its good intentions but reservations about its location. Freshman Mattix Eddy shared his dislike of the location, saying “I think the park should stay.”
Most students seemed to fully support the idea, however, both its location and its purpose. Freshman Rylee Davisson said about the center, “It’ll be decent, and a better place than the public pool.” Sophomore Audrey O’Connor shared a unique insight into the wellness center, as her mother serves on the board for the wellness center’s construction. “My mother is on the board, so I think it will help the community, O’Connor stated. Fellow sophomore Eryn Clayton shared her thoughts on the wellness center as well, saying “Basically, I think it’ll help people stay off their phones and build a healthy community.”
Between these direct quotes and what people have been saying around Livingston, it seems like the 4 Ranges Wellness Center is a very popular idea among residents of the town. In fact, according to the wellness center project’s website, 84% of Park County residents even support a moderate increase on taxes to fund its eventual operation by the city of Livingston, and the vote on whether it should be built or not in March garnered 2,064 yes votes compared to 1,238 against. Overall, Livingston can look forward, within the next two to three years, to a brand new facility where people and their families can enjoy activity and time together like never before in the town we call home.