Richard S. Shineman Foundation Backs Feasibility and Market Study to Explore Community Recreation & Wellness Programming

by Submitted article | June 14, 2025 5:25 pm

OSWEGO — The Richard S. Shineman Foundation is proud to announce its support of a $60,000 Feasibility and Market Study aimed at exploring the potential of a new community recreation and wellness center for Oswego County. The study will look closely at how such a space could serve the physical, emotional, and social needs of our youth and families.
This effort is part of the Foundation’s ongoing mission to be a catalyst for change—to help spark smart, sustainable ideas that address real challenges in our community.
Although our community is rich in strengths and local assets, we continue to face some of the toughest health outcomes in the state. These long-standing issues call for creative thinking and a serious look at how we can better support overall well-being in ways that are practical, inclusive, and community-driven.
The feasibility study will help determine whether a center like this makes sense for our area. It will assess existing gaps in services, listen to what the community needs most, and look at what it would take—financially and operationally—for a facility like this to be successful. The study will also offer recommendations on possible locations, design options, and the types of programs that would have the greatest impact.
That said, this isn’t something that one group or institution can take on alone. “We’re rich in ideas—but like many communities, we’re working within tight financial limits,” said Chena Tucker, director of the Richard S. Shineman Foundation. “If we want to get this right, we need to be thoughtful about how we use our resources, and we need to do it together. No single organization can make this happen on its own—it’s going to take a collective effort.”
In addition, the study will provide data and insights to help determine what next steps—if any—make sense for the community. This process is not a guarantee of building, but rather a step toward understanding what’s possible. The results will help shape honest, informed conversations with community members, partners, and stakeholders about where we go from here.
Rooted in our mission, the Shineman Foundation is committed to actively listening, engaging thoughtfully, and championing progress that matters in Oswego County.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/richard-s-shineman-foundation-backs-feasibility-and-market-study-to-explore-community-recreation-wellness-programming/

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