WARREN, OH -- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on Nov 25th, joined leaders with Warren City School District for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the new Student Recreation and Wellness Center at Warren G. Harding High School.

Standing at 136,000 square feet, the $36 million state-of-the-art facility offers a range of modern amenities designed to benefit students’ physical, social-emotional, and academic health alike – serving as a hub of connection for students and the entire community.

“We know that students learn their best when they feel their best. That certainly includes being physically healthy, but it’s also a top priority of my administration to make sure students are also mentally healthy and emotionally healthy,” said Governor DeWine. “What’s special about this facility is how it blends every aspect of student wellness together in one building. Not only will students be able to focus on their fitness here, they’ll also be able to gather to study, socialize, and even master physical or technical skills in sports or even gaming they can pursue as a career.”

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The Student Recreation and Wellness Center was supported by federal grant dollars allocated to Warren City Schools by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce – $16 million of which went toward the creation of the facility.

Governor DeWine toured the Student Recreation and Wellness Center today alongside students and district leaders.

The facility features fitness spaces like a 60-yard turf for various sports activities or practices, cardio and free weight equipment, a 200-meter running track and an additional walking track; social areas like study stairs, a student lounge, conference rooms, and classrooms; calming spaces like a yoga room and a sensory room; and even spaces for students to work on special skills like a robotics lab, e-sports gaming lab, and golf simulators.

Additionally, a student bistro is planned to open in the spring of 2025, where students will be able to enjoy nutritious food or even learn valuable culinary service skills.

The facility will also include space for a new school-based health center (SBHC). Conveniently located at the high school campus, the new SBHC will be operated by Akron Children’s Pediatrics. It will offer services such as treatment for minor illnesses, well visits, physicals, and vaccines/immunizations to students or anyone under the age of 21 – whether they are a student or a member of the public.

Governor DeWine has made the expansion of SBHCs throughout Ohio a priority. They have been shown to positively impact students’ academic performance, including improved attendance, higher GPAs, and better college preparation.

Earlier this year, Warren City Schools was among dozens of districts across the state to receive state funding to support the construction or expansion of SBHCs. Warren City Schools was awarded $318,000 through the Appalachian Children's Health Initiative to advance their SBHC offerings.

“Having the school-based health center here has the power to be truly transformative,” said Governor DeWine. “I am a big believer in having public health clinics right in our schools to make sure not only our children are well, but entire communities. Our schools are trusted placed in our communities, where people feel comfortable. So putting a health care option in our schools makes so much sense, and we are seeing another fantastic example with the partnership with Akron Children’s here in Warren.”

The Governor was joined for the celebration by several Warren students, as well as school district and city leaders.

“This is a great day for the Warren City School District, this is a great day for the City of Warren, and – most importantly – this is a great day to our nearly 5,000 students,” said Warren City Schools Superintendent and CEO Steve Chiaro. “This would not have been possible without the belief and vision of our board of education, as well as Governor DeWine. He has been a champion of reducing life barriers for children, and his commitment to initiatives benefiting the health and wellness of students is a big reason why this center was possible.”

“This state-of-the-art facility is not just a building. It’s a testament to our commitment to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of every student who walks through these doors,” said Warren Mayor Doug Franklin. “I pray that this center be a hub or inspiration, camaraderie, and positive energy for future generations. Let us embrace the opportunities it offers us to learn, grow, and connect with one another.”

“I ask those in current or future leadership roles to stay focused on what is truly important – the youth of our communities,” said Warren City Schools Board of Education President Patricia Limperos. “It’s a return on investment that has limitless potential. Lead by example: put students first and transformational growth will spread to all areas of our city, county, and state.”