The Complex Achieve Major Mile Stone - The Purchase of Wildwood Farms Building

            The board of The Complex is pleased to announce that they have signed the agreement to purchase the building that formerly housed Wildwood Farms, located at 1011 22nd Street. In celebration and to encourage community support and involvement, the board of directors of The Complex is inviting all area residents to join them at Manny's Too on next Monday, January 11th from 5-7 pm. There will be a general presentation at 6 pm. All those who are willing to donate, volunteer, or who just want to learn more about The Complex are encouraged to attend.  Pizza will be provided as well.

Board of Directors

            The dream of The Complex started in early 2009. "I started this project initially based on the sports possibilities," said Ted James, Board President. "Also I saw an empty building which is always a challenge. I'm an entrepreneur by nature and I love the challenge of a project. I stewed on the empty building for about 2 months then I got the idea to put a recreation facility of some sort in there. I saw it as a place for people of all ages to come and socialize. We can reach some of the kids that don't have anything to do and may be on the wrong path. Maybe someone like Neal would say "Hey, how ya doing" to one of the kids and start a relationship and maybe change that kid's life. We have no place else in a forty-mile radius where all generations can come together. And that's our mission, to bring people together in a positive way, in a positive environment and make a difference in their lives."

            The Board of Directors held its first meeting on January 20, 2009. The group was formed in response the community wanting and needing a recreation and community center that would meet the needs of all age groups in the area.

            The Board of Directors was formed with careful consideration. Ted James, the Board President, was looking for people from the area that had a wide variety of interests and a strong desire to make them a reality. It was important for the members to represent people of all ages and demographics as well as hobbies and interests. Members of the Board of Directors are Ted James, Randy Boonstra, Betty Wiebenga, Mike Ottens, Kathleen Schipper, Jean Wilkin, Neal Luker, Manny Castro and Bill Brinkman.

The Facility

            The multi-use Complex will provide recreational, education, health and leisure activities to people of all ages in a four county area across two states. Recreational facilities will include a 200-meter three lane indoor track, basketball courts, volleyball courts, racquetball courts, batting cages, a cardio room, weight room, wrestling mats, and locker rooms. The Complex will be a center for adult and youth recreational leagues, athletic practices, athletic lessons, aerobic classes, gymnastics, and karate.

            The community center of The Complex will have a kitchen, a reception hall, and multi-purpose rooms available for rent or lease. The community center will be used for card clubs, pool and ping-pong, church groups, business retreats/meetings, classes such as knitting, painting etc., support group meetings, senior activities, and college classes.

The Mission

            The mission of The Complex is to provide recreational, educational, and health-related social and leisure activities to enhance the quality of life for all ages. The Board promises to establish and operate a facility with quality equipment and programs that focus on the body, mind and spirit. The doors will be open to people of all ages in Whiteside, Carroll, northern Rock Island, and Clinton Counties.  The Complex will offer diverse programming, thereby providing a place for children, families and seniors to exercise, socialize and learn.

The Plan

            The Board of Directors is in the midst of their fundraising campaign to raise $3 million plus. They currently have three phases planned. Phase I includes using their newly acquired 50,000 square foot building to provide the amenities listed above. During Phase II they will acquire and develop land across the road for parking, soccer, baseball, Jr. tackle football, and tennis courts. In Phase III the Complex will expand to include an indoor pool and an outdoor pool.

Reason for Supporting The Complex

            Our region lacks an appropriate recreational community center. We are missing opportunities to host social events and business meetings due to a lack of an adequate venue.

            The Complex will be large enough to host tournaments and trade shows, bringing vital revenue to our communities.

            The 200-meter indoor track can be used year round for walking, jogging or running. It is a safe location to exercise regardless of the weather conditions. It will be the area's only track of this size.

            The state of the art weight, cardio and aerobic rooms will provide people of all ages with the proper equipment and training to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How to Get Involved

            There are many ways that anyone in the community can get involved in helping The Complex come to fruition. Monetary donations and sponsorships are available. The Complex is a not-for-profit 5013C organization so all donations are tax deductible. Youth and community organizations can hold fundraisers with proceeds going to The Complex. Volunteering time to help paint, clean, etc. is also welcome. Go to www.thecompexsite.com to sign up to volunteer and to find information on upcoming events. Donations may be sent to P.O. Box 106. To speek to a member of The Complex team call 563-559-0139.

            Be sure and join the Board members at Manny's Too on Monday, January 11 to find out more about this exciting addition to our community!