Staff report

The city of Hudson has announced that it is not considering a joint recreation center with Stow at the LifeCenter Plus property, as previously reported.

“We have established a committee to explore various options, including discussions with neighboring cities to learn about their recreation centers,” Hudson City Manager Thomas Sheridan said in a statement posted Jan. 18 to the city’s website. “Currently, LifeCenter Plus is not being considered as a solution.”

The statement disputes a report from The Summiteer and an initial article from the Akron Beacon Journal, which cited Stow Mayor John Pribonic. He told the Beacon that city officials had “very, very preliminary” talks about purchasing the center and had previously discussed building a joint recreation center.   

Pribonic did not immediately return a message seeking comment for this article.

When asked whether LifeCenter Plus was previously considered and for further clarification, Hudson’s communications manager Jody Roberts provided the following statement:

“We have been researching for City Council all possible options for a Recreation Center. There is no discussion or negotiation taking place regarding Life Center Plus. The City Administration will be reporting back to City Council in February 2025 with our findings and looking for direction on next steps.”

The LifeCenter Plus, 5133 Darrow Road, in Hudson was recently listed for sale for $2.8 million because the owners are retiring, according to a LoopNet listing. The more than 64,000-square-foot fitness facility has two indoor swimming pools, three outdoor swimming pools, an indoor track and multiple game courts.  

Last year, Hudson City Council established a committee to explore the possibility of a recreation center after residents identified that as a desirable amenity during the city’s comprehensive planning process. According to the 2024 comprehensive plan, the downtown area should be among the locations evaluated in a recreation center feasibility study.

Stow also has been exploring potential recreation center options in recent years and conducted a feasibility study for new construction at the site of a current senior center on Darrow Road. A consulting firm concluded in 2023 that it would cost nearly $43 million.