City of Sioux Falls to purchase Sanford Tea-Ellis Wellness Center

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - The City of Sioux Falls announced Wednesday it will buy the Sanford Tea-Ellis Wellness Center for $9 million to expand indoor recreation opportunities.

The Wellness Center, located on W. 32nd Street, is 70,000 square feet and will potentially feature indoor aquatics, court sports, multi-generational fitness activities, indoor walking and running, a variety of recreational programs and classes, and community gathering spaces.

“Both the City and Sanford Health are committed to creating healthier, thriving communities,” said Mayor Paul TenHaken. “This potential acquisition allows each organization to leverage its strengths for our residents and their customers. We’re grateful to Sanford Health for working with the City to make this acquisition possible to enhance aquatics and recreational opportunities for this community.”

“The opportunity for Sanford Health and the City of Sioux Falls to partner together builds on our shared commitment to provide our communities with access to wellness options that can change lives,” said Steve Young, president of Sanford Sports. “At Sanford Health’s core, our mission is caring for people. And while we aren’t completely stepping away from our dedication to offering a fitness and indoor pool option for our communities, this shift allows us to refocus efforts on more medically based needs, which we’ve seen grow immensely.”

According to the city, Sanford will continue to operate the Oxbow Wellness Center with an added focus on medically based health and wellness opportunities, including expanded physical therapy and weight management services.

The City of Sioux Falls plans to start operations by the end of December this year. Sanford will retain a leased space for its physical therapy services within the facility, according to the city. The City will develop staffing and operation plans, including opportunities for current Sanford Wellness employees and members, and offer new recreation services.

The transaction is contingent on the approval of the Aquatics Bond, which the City Council will vote on next month.

The bond will also include funding for replacing aging pools at Frank Olson and Kuehn Park.

The total estimated cost for all three projects is $77 million. Next week, April 24–25, final neighborhood meetings will be held for these replacement facilities, followed by a presentation to the City Council.

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