Twelve months ago, Joel Brase did not imagine the Seward Wellness Center would be so popular for private parties and even a post-prom event.
But in the year since the center opened in March 2025, those celebratory events – plus the popularity of classes in and out of the swimming pool and membership numbers – have all been happy surprises for the city.
“We continue to be booked full with private pool and birthday parties,” he said.
The beginning estimate for rental revenue was $10,000 for the first year, and Brase reported the actual number was more than twice that at $23,219.
Swimming classes were full and as of April 1, 2,738 people had center memberships individually or in a family group.
Brase presented statistical data on the center’s first 12 months of activity to the Seward City Council April 5. The city’s fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, so Brase will have a fiscal year-end summary next fall.
Overall, he said he is pleased with the staffing and programs developed in the center’s first year.
Personnel remains the center’s largest expense coming in at $512,835 for the first year, slightly below the $530,000 estimated.
But Brase said his team has worked through the busy and slow times to schedule people to work when they are needed.
“We never have a perfect day, but we hope that people feel welcome all the time,” Brase said.
Membership climbs
From March 31, 2025, to March 31 this year, Brase said the center’s membership revenue was $567,830 – 14% higher than the $500,000 predicted.
The member count changes from month to month because some people skip months due to travel, illness or other schedule conflicts. Brase said allowing that monthly flexibility lets people utilize the center when they can.
He also said more people are tapping into their employer- or insurance-sponsored benefits that contribute to their memberships.
Daily passes have also exceeded the $20,000 expected by 54%, coming in at $30,849.
The center has received positive reviews from out-of-town visitors.
“It was fun to show it off to people,” Brase told the council. “ We are obviously proud of it.”
“We have had a lot of people suggest things” and Brase said they try to address those suggestions as much as possible.
Summer childcare offered
One of those suggestions was to offer full-day childcare to build upon the popular kindergarten through eighth grade before- and after-school program, Jays Club.
Childcare Director Sam Patterson has developed a strong staff, including Concordia students, to work with the children, Brase said.
The city had expected before- and after-school care to generate about $130,000, but Brase said while the before-school program is consistently full, interest in after-school care is lower than expected now, and income was $78,361. Brase noted there are many other after school activities for kids.
The Jays Club program averaged about 40 children, which Brase described as a “solid number.”
As of the city council meeting, Brase said the center had only three open spots remaining for the summer program.
Swimming lessons popular
As expected, area residents welcomed opportunities for swimming lessons for infants, children and adults, Brase said.
Brase said the center now has eight classes with 25 class times offered weekly.
“We are looking to increase that,” Brase said, noting classes will be added as instructors become available.
Instructors and lifeguards are receiving requests for private lessons for adults, children and infants and their parents, which they are trying to accommodate as much as possible.
This year’s summer swim classes will be offered only at the Dowding Memorial Pool, but Brase said it is possible all classes will be shifted to the wellness center after that.
In addition, the center hosted winter practices for youth swimming.
More children in activities
Brase said with the center as the hub for the city recreation department, the number of children involved has grown.
He said Recreation Director Jamie Fields, who is also assistant director for the wellness center, has broadened program offerings to meet skill levels. For example, she started introductory skills classes on volleyball and basketball for first-and second-grade students, again tapping into the pool of Concordia students available.
“More kids are getting involved,” Brase said.
Other highlights from Year 1 included hosting the Seward Freedom Run on July 4, hosting summer three-on-three basketball leagues, hosting grades three through six volleyball tournaments, hosting grade three through six basketball leagues, hosting indoor soccer clinics and hosting the Seward Showcase Youth Basketball Tournament.
