Phelps Health and City of Rolla Finalize Agreement for Future of The Centre
ROLLA, Mo. – Phelps Health and the City of Rolla have announced a definitive agreement for Phelps Health to lease and assume operational leadership of The Centre, Rolla’s Health and Recreation Complex. The two organizations have set a target transition date of February 1. Under the proposed structure, the City of Rolla would retain responsibility and control of the natatorium (indoor pool) while exploring additional opportunities for that space, and Power Wellness will continue to manage day-to-day operations.
As part of the transition planning, Phelps Health and the City will finalize the rate structure and communicate details directly to current members and the broader community prior to February 1. Both organizations are committed to transparency and ensuring a smooth, stable experience for members and staff. Programming updates will be determined and communicated at a later date.
This collaboration supports Phelps Health’s mission to expand community-based wellness while maintaining The Centre as an accessible resource for the region. Consolidating preventive care, fitness and education into a central hub will allow Phelps Health to advance community health, employee wellness and long-term patient outcomes.
“The Centre offers a unique opportunity to bring prevention, fitness and care together in one place—reducing chronic disease, supporting families and helping people live their healthiest lives,” said Jason Shenefield, President and CEO of Phelps Health. “We are pleased to finalize our plans and look forward to a February transition that preserves The Centre’s legacy while expanding its impact.”
“The Centre has always been a point of pride for Rolla,” said Lou Magdits, Mayor of Rolla. “This next step reflects our shared commitment with Phelps Health to strengthen The Centre as a vibrant hub for community health, wellness and recreation. Finalizing this agreement will also allow the City to redirect financial resources to core, traditional City services.”
In addition to maintaining community access to The Centre’s primary services—including fitness programs, strength training, walking track and gymnasium—potential enhancements by Phelps Health may include:
- Chronic disease prevention programs and youth/senior wellness activities
- MyFitRX physician referral program and chronic care management services
- Expanded access for underserved populations
- Integration of rehabilitation, nutrition education and weight management programs
- Employee wellness opportunities to reduce stress and prevent burnout
- Corporate wellness partnerships through the Phelps Health Preferred plan
Both the City of Rolla and Phelps Health remain committed to a thoughtful, member-focused transition process that positions The Centre for long-term success. Additional details will be shared as the February 1 transition approaches.
About Phelps Health
Phelps Health serves over 200,000 residents in south-central Missouri. Phelps Health is county-owned, non-tax supported and overseen by a five-member elected board. Phelps Health employs more than 1,900 people, including 100-plus providers. Phelps Health, which includes a hospital licensed for 240 patient beds, serves a six-county area, with its main campus and several clinics in Rolla, Missouri. Phelps Health also has clinics in Salem, St. James, Vienna and Waynesville, Missouri. For more information, visit phelpshealth.org.
About The Centre
The Centre, Rolla’s premier health and recreational complex, opened in 2002 after voter approval in 1999. The 63,000 s/f facility includes a 1/10-mile walking track, exercise equipment, gymnasium, meeting rooms and an indoor pool (natatorium). Over the last 23 years, The Centre has entertained well over 3,000,000 visitors and nearly 2,000 active members.
