RIVERSIDE

Years of waiting will end Saturday morning in Riverside.

With bulldozers likely in the background, the city will host a groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday for its Wellness Center, an athletics and fitness facility that has been a conversation piece in Riverside for at least a couple of decades.

“It’s a long time coming,” Mayor Allen Schneider told The News. “Everybody is pretty excited that it’s moving forward.”

While grading work began on the property last week, the groundbreaking ceremony formally creates a visible addition for the city alongside Highland Elementary School. Voters approved an $8 million bond referendum a year ago, providing a majority of the funding for a project that may hit $13 million.

The Wellness Center, featuring a full-size basketball court and running track, is expected to open in early 2028.

“I think it’s going to be great,” said City Councilman Ryan Rogerson, who served on a community committee for the Wellness Center in addition to voting in favor of the facility on the City Council. “It is a huge win in my book, personally and for the community.”

The public is invited to the ceremony, which will take place near the construction site to the west of Highland Elementary.

Garling Construction, a Cedar Rapids construction firm that won a $10 million bid to build the Wellness Center, was already working on the project this week.

Monday during its regularly scheduled meeting, the City Council approved a resolution covering the bond purchase agreement.

The center will include locker rooms, weight area and conference rooms in addition to the basketball court and running track.

Blackjack Water Resort

The City Council scheduled an additional discussion for Thursday before finalizing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan with the Elite Hospitality Group for a $35 million water park and RV park that is already under construction near the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort.

Council members Tom Sexton and Kevin Kiene are among those who have questions about the TIF agreement, which grants tax breaks for the project.

The project, located on the south side of Highway 22, is expected to feature a 70,000 square-foot water park that will have three pools, a water slide tower, a swim-up bar and a sandy beach. The RV portion would have 154 parking spots and a clubhouse building of 14,000 square feet.

Elite Hospitality has set a tentative opening of spring 2027.

Once the city and Elite Hospitality reach a final agreement, the Council will set a date for a public hearing.

Following Thursday’s open session, the City Council plans to go into closed session to consider five applicants for an open public works position.

Leaf Pick-ups

Fall leaf pick-up days have been scheduled for Nov. 9 and 23.

City Clerk Stephanie Thomann also presented the 2027 holidays and meetings schedule to the Council.

The meetings schedule includes just one City Council meeting in January, on Tuesday Jan. 19 due to MLK Day on Jan. 18.

Council Action

The Council approved an FY27 contribution of $6,000 to the Washington Economic Development Group.

The Council approved establishment of the Riverside Commercial Urban Renewal Area.

The Council approved up to $3,000 for removal of trees on Greene Street and other city areas.

The Council approved the city’s participation in Operation Green Light, honoring U.S. military veterans this week.

Next board meeting:

The City Council’s next formal session is at 6 p.m. November 16.