Playground equipment installed at fitness facility

The Osceola Community Health Foundation raised funds for the installation of playground equipment at the non-profit Wild River Fitness. With the help of outside donors and Osceola Medical Center employees, the foundation raised $26,000 for the equipment. Three of the primary donors to the project were Johnson Motors, J&S General Contracting and NEI Electric, all of which have been supporters of Osceola Medical Center and the foundation in the past. Johnson Motors, St. Croix Falls, a family owned and operated Chevrolet and Buick dealership, was happy to make a financial contribution to the fitness center for the project. Greg Anderson, one of Johnson Motors’ owners, said, “We’re part of this community. All of our employees and all of our customers are in this area. We believe that giving to the medical center and the fitness center helps build a stronger community.” NEI Electric, donated to the project by designing and installing the security system on the gate surrounding the playground equipment. “During construction, I knew the center was trying to raise donations for playground equipment and fencing, and I thought this was a wonderful way for us to help out,” said John Gerlach, senior vice president and branch manager of NEI at the St. Croix Falls location. J&S General Contracting, Osceola, donated money to the project in a cooperative effort with the Osceola Lions Club, who matched what J&S was able to contribute. Steve Mueller, co-owner of J&S, said, “The playground seemed like a logical place to donate money because it was something we knew they definitely needed.” Mueller also said he hopes that the addition of the equipment helps the fitness center bring in new members. According to fitness center Operations Manager Renee Amundson, Wild River Fitness is grateful to have the equipment and better serve their youth program. “It’s only been a few weeks, but the new equipment has been absolutely swarmed by the kids in our youth program. It’s truly been a hit,” she said.