Genesis proposal could be good for rink, fitness

Given the financial woes of the Wichita Ice Center over the years, it was a relief to see it on the Wichita City Council agenda today for an encouraging reason: a proposal for Genesis Health Clubs, which has managed the center since March, to put a fitness facility on the center's underused second floor, as well as for a 10-year extension of the management contract. Though the city would issue a 10-year general obligation bond to borrow $750,000 for Genesis to do the remodeling for the fitness center, Genesis would be responsible for paying off the debt and equipping the fitness facility. The proposal seems like a way to bring more people into the facility and promote fitness, as well as build on Genesis' success so far in putting the rink on a sustainable financial path.

This story was originally published December 20, 2011 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Genesis proposal could be good for rink, fitness."