Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Center for Health & Wellbeing.
Q: Are there similar projects like the Center for Health & Wellbeing in the U.S.?
A: While there are facilities that have certain elements, the Center for Health & Wellbeing in Winter Park will be the first integrated facility offering the planned assortment of Wellness, Fitness and Medicine programs and services. Leaders from the Winter Park Health Foundation and potential project collaborators visited several renowned facilities across the country and gathered ideas from each site visit. Best practices appropriate for our community were incorporated into the Center’s design and program planning, along with several new and unique features.
Q: Where will Center for Health & Wellbeing visitors (including Peggy & Philip B. Crosby Wellness Center members) park?
A: A new, four-story garage will provide free parking for 271 cars and eight lockers for bicycles. Bike racks will be located throughout the site. While the garage will be smaller in size and height compared to the one built by Winter Park Memorial Hospital across the street, the Center for Health & Wellbeing parking garage will be similar in design and it will complement the overall design of the new health and wellness facility. It will feature ground-floor parking for disabled permit holders and a covered walkway will connect to the main entrance of the Center.
Q: How will the Center for Health & Wellbeing improve the roadways in this area of Winter Park?
A: The development of the Center for Health & Wellbeing presented several opportunities to create safer roads. The area’s “triangle intersections,” which can be confusing and hazardous, were eliminated. The goal is to make the area safer and improve traffic flow around the site for various users…motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. A portion of Mizell Avenue was rerouted and dedicated February 2017 as Crosby Way.
Q: What are the major differences between the original Peggy & Philip B. Crosby Wellness Center and its new facility planned within the Center for Health & Wellbeing?
A: The Peggy & Philp B. Crosby Wellness Center opened in 1989 on a portion of the development site for the new Center for Health & Wellbeing. In December 2016, it closed and was demolished to make way for construction of a larger complex that will feature a new Crosby Wellness Center facility as well as other programs addressing Wellness, Fitness and Medicine. The brand new Crosby Wellness Center will feature a natatorium with two pools – one for lap swimmers and a separate, warm water pool for aquatic exercise and rehabilitation. The locker rooms will be upgraded and offer four family changing rooms. Two large multi-purpose fitness rooms will provide space for group exercise, yoga, spinning, and other classes. Large, functional open space will accommodate new exercise equipment and weights. An expanded Children’s Wellness area has been uniquely designed for infants and children who need to be cared for while parents or grandparents are accessing services and programs within the Center for Health & Wellbeing.
Q: Will the facility include an indoor track? What other options will be available to walkers?
A: The Center for Health & Wellbeing will offer two options for walking:
Interior Track – on the second floor overlooking the Commons. One loop is .08 miles. 12.5 laps equals one mile. The surface planned is cork infused rubber flooring with a comfortable 9 mm sport thickness. In keeping with LEED and WELL building standards, the material is composed of 65% recycled and renewable material.
Outdoor Walking Path – there will be a path around the perimeter of the Center for Health & Wellbeing site. One loop is .4 miles. 2.5 laps equals one mile. Along the path, walkers will pass through multiple gardens and experience the health benefits of nature.
Both will be accessible and open to all Center for Health & Wellbeing visitors.
Q: When will the Center for Health & Wellbeing open?
A: The Center for Health & Wellbeing will be built in phases. Phase one includes realignment of roads on the west side of the site and the opening of Crosby Way. Phase One was completed February 2017. Phase two will focus on construction of the main facility. The final phase will be development of the multiple gardens surrounding the site and construction of the parking garage. Projected opening of the Center for Health & Wellbeing is late 2018.
Q.: Will any of the gardens be used to grow produce?
A: Yes, produce will be grown in several “community gardens” within the Welcome Garden near the main entrance to the complex. We do envision using the produce grown there in the cooking demonstrations and classes. It will be up to the healthy café operator as to whether or not they will use the produce grown on site. Also, we do plan to engage children (who participate in programs at the Center and possibly from nearby child care centers), as well as Crosby Wellness Center members, in the community gardening activities.