GLADBROOK -- The Gladbrook-Reinbeck Community School District and Gladbrook City Council have banded together, contributing $100,000 in a combined pledge for a $500,000 project to build a fitness center connected to the local swimming pool adjacent to the Gladbrook Middle School.

That means local residents won't have to drive to Marshalltown or Waterloo to get "pumped up."

"There just isn't any option without going to Marshalltown or Waterloo," said Gladbrook-Reinbeck school board member Mike Bearden.

The city and school board are hoping to raise a total of $250,000 to $300,000 in order to secure a Vision Iowa grant for the project, expected to begin in spring 2007 and be completed that fall. The joint group has raised $80,000 in local donations thus far.

Bearden said the 25-by-90-foot facility would use the pool's restroom and shower facilities, which would be renovated, and include 17 pieces of workout equipment ranging from weight machines, treadmills, stair and elliptical machines.

Families who pay $302 a year and individuals who pay $240 a year for membership would have access to the facility around the clock seven days a week, he said.

"I think we can get there. There's a lot of support. It's one more thing we're trying to do to make Gladbrook a fun and enjoyable place to live," Bearden said.