WADDINGTON – A new fitness center, River Run Fitness, will soon be opening in the former bowling alley in Waddington, run by Pamela D. Dalton.

The St. Lawrence County Local Development Corporation is providing a $19,953 grant and $8,000 loan for renovations, equipment and working capital to help the business get up and running.

Dalton has long maintained an active and healthy lifestyle, so when her friends at the bowling alley were looking for new alternatives for the space, a plan began to come to life. After months of preparation, renovations are underway and a May opening is expected.

River Run Fitness will be a full service gym with treadmills, elliptical machines and recumbent bikes, free weights and weight bearing machines, and a variety of fitness classes for all levels such as Zumba and total body strengthening and toning. A personal trainer will also be available upon request. The space will have a sound system and televisions and will offer shower facilities.

Initial hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to noon.

Dalton was grateful for the help of Michelle Collins of the Small Business Development Center at SUNY Canton and Leigh Rodriguez at the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency for guiding her through. “If it wasn’t for these two organizations and these two remarkable women my dream would not have seen the light of day,” she said. “With their help I was able to obtain this grant, which will enable me to get a jump start on this new business venture.”

A 2005 survey of Waddington residents indicated their desire for a fitness center. Raymond Fountain, SLCLDC CEO, said “This fitness center is something residents wanted, and we are glad to be able help Pam get River Run Fitness up and going.”

To learn more contact Dalton at 323-1073.