The slight early fall breeze and cloudy sky didn’t stop Euclid city officials from breaking ground Sept. 27 on their new multimillion Health and Wellness Center. The new center, which has been in the development stages for the past two years, will be replacing the skatepark in the parking lot of C.E. Orr Ice Arena, 22550 Milton Ave. The Euclid Recreation Department staff pose for a photo during a groundbreaking for their new Health and Wellness Center. (Frank Mecham- The News-Herald) Recreation Department Director Mac Stephens said that he was looking forward to completing the project, and that he wanted to provide a community space similar to the one that pushed him to become what he is today. Euclid Recreation Director Mac Stephens walks toward the groundbreaking. (Frank Mecham- The News-Herald) He said that while the ceremonial groundbreaking was done that work on the actual project was still yet to be undertaken. He said that it should be started before winter and continue on through next year. “That is still to be determined,” Stephens said on the construction date. “Probably within a month or so if not sooner, and once things start, it’s going to be a relatively quick process. “We just recently selected Infinity Construction as the group that will build the actual structure,” Stephens said. “And we’ve gone through the permitting process and all the red tape you have to do prior to starting a project of this magnitude.” Stephens, who formerly played professional football with the Toronto Argonauts, New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings, said that recreation centers can be a place that the community can go to feel safe and that he hoped that, in turn, the city will be a happier place. “My vision is to just bring the community together,” Stephens said after the groundbreaking. “At the recreation department, I’ve worked 20-plus years with the City of Euclid and five years as a volunteer and we’ve never had a dedicated space to operate our programming. “Over the years, we’ve had to utilize space in different parts of the city, so this not only provides our typical programming but to enhance the programming that we offer and offer some new activities that meet the needs of not only young people but adults and seniors alike.” The empty lot, which once had Euclid’s skatepark and now will be the city’s new Health and Wellness Center, is shown. (Frank Mecham- The News-Herald) According to a previous News-Herald article, the center, which costs are estimated to be between $12 million and $14 million when completed, will host the over 35 programs which Euclid’s Recreation Department runs throughout the year and will have a gym, basketball courts which can be modified for other supports, all surrounded by a jogging track. Community rooms, additional fitness facilities, and showers will also be along the westward part of the building, where the city skatepark once was. Cookies printed with the future Health and Wellness Center is seen. (Frank Mecham- The News-Herald) Stephens said that he is looking forward to the future of the city, and that he wants to provide a positive balance to, in his view, some of the negative perceptions that people might have about Euclid. “I think the big thing is, you got to speak life into a vision and that’s what we did two and a half years ago, and here we are with the ground breaking ceremony,” Stephens said. “I’m excited- I’m excited for the city of Euclid. We’ve gotten some negative press in recent times, but I think this sets the foundation to start talking about some positive things in the community.”