The Reagan Hospital District is laying the foundation for a major healthcare and community-focused expansion, backed by a $25 million bond that, if all goes to plan, will go before voters this November. If approved, the bond would fund the construction of a state-of-the-art Wellness Center, a new Assisted Living Facility with additional cottages, an expanded physical therapy department, and the renovation of a long-unused pool building into a versatile community space.
“This is about more than just facilities... it’s a commitment to making Big Lake and Reagan County a place where people can thrive at every stage of life,” said Jonathon Voelkel, CEO of the Reagan County Hospital District.
The Hospital Board, led by President Heath Holt, has spent more than a year assessing the community’s needs and developing a plan that integrates healthcare, wellness, senior living, and quality-of-life enhancements for the entire community.
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At the heart of the bond proposal is the construction of a new 24,000-square-foot Wellness Center, designed to provide residents of all ages with access to high-quality fitness and recreational amenities in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. The new facility will be located on the west side of the road as drivers enter the hospital complex - a highly visible and accessible location within the campus.
The centerpiece of the facility will be a YMCA-style, competition-size indoor pool. Unlike the hospital’s current small therapy pool, which is limited to basic rehabilitation exercises, the new pool will support a wide range of activities, from physical therapy and water aerobics to lap swimming and swim lessons. It will also be large enough to accommodate school-level swim competitions if the community ever chooses to pursue that opportunity.
The Wellness Center will feature an upstairs walking track for year-round indoor exercise, as well as a climbing wall to encourage physical activity among youth and adults alike. A dedicated children’s play area will allow parents to work out while keeping an eye on their kids in a safe and supervised space.
The second floor will also include a women’s-only fitness area, designed to provide a comfortable and private workout environment, along with two group fitness classrooms that can host yoga, spin, senior fitness, and other community classes.
Other amenities include spacious locker rooms for men and women, each equipped with a sauna, a smoothie bar near the climbing wall to encourage healthy nutrition, and a central reception and check-in area that will help visitors navigate available services. Restrooms are available on both floors, and finishes throughout the facility reflect an emphasis on safety, durability, and aesthetics.
“This is one of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades Reagan County has ever seen,” Voelkel said. “It’s not just a place to exercise... it’s a hub for families, seniors, and young people to stay active and connect.
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The proposed Assisted Living Facility will bring vital services to Reagan County that currently do not exist within the area. Based on a detailed feasibility study commissioned by the district, there is a growing and underserved need for senior housing with supportive services.
The facility is planned for the north end of the hospital complex’s property, allowing for separation from high-traffic medical areas while still remaining fully integrated into the campus. The plan calls for a 16-room main facility, accompanied by eight independent cottages. The cottage layout includes four single-room units and four two-room units, designed to accommodate a variety of living arrangements and levels of independence.
The facility will offer assistance with daily living, medication management, meals, housekeeping, transportation, and activity programming. Cottages will offer residents more privacy and independence while maintaining access to care and social opportunities nearby.
In addition to personal living space, the facility will include several community-oriented amenities to promote wellness and engagement, including a salon, a library, a multi-purpose room, and even a dedicated movie theater. A large shared dining and living space will provide a warm, home-like setting for meals and social interaction.
“Too many Reagan County families are forced to send loved ones to other cities for this level of care,” Holt said. “This facility allows our seniors to remain here in their community, close to family and friends.”
The demand for such a facility is expected to grow significantly. Reagan County’s population of residents aged 65 and older is projected to rise from 674 in 2021 to more than 1,000 by 2060. The study concluded that demand already exists to fill the 16 assisted living rooms, with steady growth expected for the foreseeable future.
One of the most anticipated features of the project is a new walking trail that will wind through the hospital district campus. Starting at the new Wellness Center, the trail will loop around the north side of the hospital campus, pass by the Assisted Living Facility and its surrounding cottages, and ultimately connect to the existing walking trail at Reagan County North Park.
In addition to the trail, the bond proposal includes the creation of a pond situated between the main assisted living facility and the cottages. The pond will be accessible to the broader public via the trail and is designed to serve as a shared space where residents of the assisted living center can connect with the community in a peaceful, natural setting. Hospital Board President Heath Holt said he hopes to stock the pond with a variety of fish to allow for recreational fishing.
The trail and pond will provide a safe and scenic environment for walkers, joggers, and cyclists, while promoting intergenerational interaction and outdoor leisure opportunities.
“It’s about accessibility,” Holt said. “We’re creating a walkable, connected space that encourages people to be active and stay healthy... and to enjoy it together.”
The current Wellness Center inside the hospital will be remodeled and repurposed to expand the district’s physical therapy department, a service that continues to grow in demand due to aging populations, post-operative care, and sports injury rehab.
Once converted, the new 5,000 square-foot physical therapy space will offer room for additional equipment, more private treatment areas, and improved patient flow. The expansion will help ensure that patients can receive timely, personalized rehabilitation services without leaving the community.
“We are regularly hitting capacity in our current PT space,” Voelkel explained. “With this upgrade, we’ll be able to serve more patients with greater efficiency and comfort.”
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Although not included in the proposed bond funding, the hospital district still plans to move forward with renovating the old hospital pool building into a community-centered facility. Located adjacent to the new fire station on Main Street, the structure has sat largely unused for years but offers strong potential due to its central location and solid framework.
The district intends to fund the renovation using existing reserves and potential support from the Hickman Trust, demonstrating a clear commitment to enhancing quality of life in Reagan County, regardless of the bond’s outcome.
Once completed, the repurposed facility will serve as a versatile venue for private parties, civic meetings, group fitness classes, educational programs, and other community events. Plans include an outdoor kitchen and garden area, a small stage, and flexible indoor seating - transforming the old space into a vibrant hub for wellness, outreach, and neighborhood connection.
“This is a cost-effective way to bring new life to a centrally located building that’s already part of the fabric of the town,” Voelkel said. “It’s a win for the hospital district and the community.”
If the core bond projects are completed under budget, the district may also look to renovate the old Care Center located on Main Street near the new fire station. The building currently provides housing for hospital district employees - a valuable benefit in a community where housing options are limited.
Improving the facility would enhance living conditions for staff and support long-term employee satisfaction and retention. Voelkel said the district recognizes the importance of maintaining a stable, well-supported workforce and sees this as one more way to invest in the people who help deliver quality care throughout Reagan County.
The hospital board has structured the financial strategy with long-term community sustainability in mind. The district will pursue voter approval in November for a bond of up to $25 million to fund construction and renovations, with support from a financial advisor and bond attorney to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility.
However, the full $25 million in bond funding may not be used. The hospital district also plans to actively pursue outside funding, such as grants, foundation support, or private donations, to offset construction costs. Any outside funding secured would directly reduce the amount of bond money utilized. For example, if the district receives a $3 million grant, it would only access $22 million of the approved bond funds, passing that savings back to local taxpayers.
It’s also important to note that over 96 percent of the hospital district’s tax base is made up of oil and gas industry assets. This means the majority of any tax burden from the bond would be shouldered by industry rather than individual homeowners or small businesses.
The bond amount has been carefully estimated to include construction costs, equipment, furnishings, and contingency needs. Public information meetings will be scheduled to explain the bond structure, potential tax impact, and project timelines.
While the proposed investment is significant, district officials see the benefits as far-reaching for seniors needing care, for families raising children, and for citizens of all ages seeking a healthier lifestyle.
“We’re thinking 10, 20, even 50 years down the line,” Holt said. “We’re building a system that can grow with Reagan County.”
Construction could begin as early as 2026, pending bond approval from voters. The bond election is expected to appear on the ballot this November, giving Reagan County residents the opportunity to help shape the future of local healthcare and community services.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” Voelkel said. “We invite everyone in Reagan County to be part of this moment, and to help shape what comes next.”
