Local Credit Union Donates $250K to CCSD

The Chillicothe City Schools District's fitness center will undergo a series of updates as a result of a large donation from Homeland Credit Union.

"At Homeland Credit Union, we pride ourselves on making a difference in the lives of our members everyday," said Homeland Credit Union President & CEO Shayne Poe, "and it is our hope that with this participation, we can make a difference in the lives of student-athletes who will continue to use this facility for many years to come."

On Wednesday, CCSD Board President Steve Mullins and Poe signed an agreement in which the credit union donated $250,000 for renovations to the former Chillicothe Fitness and Racquet Club, which was donated to the CCSD by John and Beth Schwenlein.

In exchange, Homeland will receive naming rights. The facility is now being referred to as the "Homeland Credit Union Cavalier Athletic Center."

"Our goal with this facility was to turn a tennis facility into a multi-sport facility that all of our student-athletes can benefit from and not just student-athletes," said Mullins. "In the next few months, you're going to see a lot of improvements."

Mullins said the funds will be used to create a new entrance and parking lot, renovate the lobby and fitness center, and update the flooring in the main tennis court gymnasium. There is also a proposal to add multiple batting cages, a putting green, and a golf simulator, Mullins said.

Additionally, the yoga room will be converted into an E-sports arena, and considerations are being made for the building to have space for music and arts students, Mullins said.

"For students of the Chillicothe City Schools, it's no charge for them to practice on any of this," said Mullins.

He said the facility will be open to the community at a low charge that will be used to cover operating costs.

Photos by Amanda Cheek

Click below to view the entire signing ceremony.

Video by Daniel Haller