Paulding County Hospital Breaks Ground on Major Fitness Center and Rehabilitation Expansion
Paulding County Hospital held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, November 26, to officially launch its Fitness Center Expansion Project. Due to cold and windy weather, attendees gathered indoors for opening remarks from CEO Ron Goedde before moving outside briefly for the ceremonial shovel turn and group photos.
Goedde noted that this is the hospital’s first major construction start in nearly seven years. He explained that Paulding County Hospital has experienced a significant surge in patient volume—increasing nearly 38% over the past four to five years—as several regional hospitals have closed or restructured. While positive for PCH, this growth has created pressure on available space, often forcing staff to provide therapy and other care in hallways.
The expansion will address those needs by enlarging the existing fitness center and creating new, state-of-the-art facilities for Cardiopulmonary, Physical, Occupational and Speech Rehabilitation. A centerpiece of the project is a brand-new therapy gym, designed to free up the current gym for patient care space and improve the overall experience for patients and staff alike.
Goedde highlighted that the new gym will have its own dedicated entrance, allowing patients who come for therapy in the evening to enter without accessing the full hospital. The addition will function largely as a self-contained area, featuring bathrooms, a small walking track, and equipment similar to what is currently offered.
Construction officially begins December 1. As part of the project, the parking spaces and drive located in front of the fitness center will close to serve as staging and construction space. During the renovation period, the hospital will temporarily pause new fitness center memberships and renewals. Current members as of December 1 will have intermittent access to the main campus fitness center and full, uninterrupted access to the Antwerp Regional Fitness Center for the duration of the project.
The expansion is expected to take eight to ten months, with hopes of having the new gym operational by May, pending occupancy certification. Goedde emphasized that the project is designed to enhance care, reduce hallway congestion, and meet the growing demand for services in Paulding County.
Hospital officials extended their gratitude to the community for ongoing support. As stated in the announcement: “Together we are advancing health care, close to home.”
