Wave makes splash in Whitefish

It looks more like a lodge but the rough-hewn timber and stone edifice represents a new wave in fitness and fun.

The Wave aquatic and fitness center has made quite a splash in Whitefish even before its grand opening. With over $4 million in donations and more than 2,200 members, the facility is planning to open Feb. 19.

During a recent tour, Swank Enterprises craftsmen were hard at work on the gymnasium floor and on the slate and stone finishes on the $7 million center.

"The only way this worked was that a lot of people in Whitefish were very generous," Art Krueger, the facility's director, said.

Krueger said the idea was to give the north valley a center with a country club feel at a reduced price.

Slate flooring at the entry leads to a reception desk faced in decorative stone. Members will swipe their plastic keychain card, similar to those grocery stores use, through a reader.

Members may drop off their youngsters for up to two hours at The train-themed Children's Depot. Certified staff supervise play-based activities such as arts and crafts with no television.

A pro shop in the reception area carries sweat pants, swimsuits and other exercise clothing. Also off the entry, a juice bar sells smoothies and Montana Coffee Traders products.

"At some point, we'll have light lunches," Krueger said. "But we don't want to compete with family-run restaurants."

He pointed to the light flooding in from windows from the soaring ceilings in the reception area. Krueger said The Wave's design maximizes natural light throughout.

"What we wanted was that open sensation," he said. "On gloomy days, it'll be a nice place to be."

To one side, a lobby area will feature tables and chairs surrounding a large fireplace. Krueger called it a healthy alternative place for people to relax and socialize.

Krueger managed a Great Falls club that served as a model for The Wave in Whitefish.

"It was amazing how many people in the other club would sit and snooze," he said.

Two glass-fronted convertible racquetball/squash/handball courts face the lobby area.

"The glass wall moves forward," Krueger said.

A hallway leads to a full-sized gymnasium. The Wave anticipates a variety of activities including pickup basketball, organized youth leagues and evening volleyball.

"The back side of the building is dedicated to youth and families," Krueger said, making a right turn off the hall running along the gymnasium.

Boys and girls locker rooms separate youngsters 13 and younger from adult members. Two rooms with a shower, sinks and a toilet allow family members to change together if they wish.

The youth and family area includes two party rooms. These rooms, with direct access to the indoor water park, have a sink and refrigerator and direct access to a patio for outdoor play in warm weather.

A back parking lot separates aquatic center traffic from members using the front fitness facilities. Nonmembers can use the facilities for a fee.

"This is where the young and the young at heart are going to have a lot of fun," Krueger said.

Aquatic park pool highlights include spray jets, geysers and tumble buckets.

"Kids never know which one is going to splash water on them," he said.

But a water slide, 132 feet long and 35 feet high, provides the main attraction. The slide exits the building, makes a large loop outdoors, then returns inside to splash swimmers into the pool.

Parents have their own area in the water park where they can watch their youngsters as water jets provide a back massage. They also have the option of relaxing in a spa/hot tub in a separate area that includes another large pool.

Krueger pointed out the advantage of a windowed wall separating the areas.

"A person could be exercising, doing laps, with all that chaos going on over there," he said.

The 75-by-46-foot lap pool also will serve water-aerobic exercisers and competitive swimmers. A warm-water pool just around a corner was designed for swimming lessons and groups such as seniors.

After swimming, members can warm their muscles in a redwood dry sauna while watching the antics in the water park or lap pool through large windows.

Beyond the pools, The Wave has space leased by private businesses such as Professional Therapy Associates, An Salon, Pilates instructor Delia Buckmaster and a group of massage therapists.

"It's a great marriage," Krueger said.

The main fitness area of the facility features 28 pieces of cardio equipment and a 10-bike cycling studio on a mezzanine area overlooking the main entry.

"It has the coolest window in the whole place," Krueger said of the studio."We also have a first-class sound system."

The Wave, which is designed to serve 5,000 members, expects to employ 45 to 50 people. Krueger said most of these positions are part time.

Before opening day, Krueger expects to have a wide variety of art on display to add to the ambiance.

"Area artists have gotten together to put their work in the facility," he said.

Krueger said the nearly $4 million raised allowed the nonprofit corporation to offer membership "at a reduced price" compared to clubs with similar amenities.

The Wave charges a one-time membership fee of $225 for an individual and monthly dues of $49 with an electronic transfer. Second family members, children and seniors over 65 receive additional discounts.

The Wave also offers a high school membership of $35, with club use restricted to early mornings and evenings on weekdays and all-day use on weekends and holidays.

Krueger encourages low-income residents to apply for assistance from The Wave's $40,000 scholarship fund. He said several people have applied and been granted help under this program.

Acceptance is based on a formula including the number of family members and annual income, Krueger said.

People interested in purchasing a membership or help from the scholarship fund should call 862-2444 or visit the construction site.

"It's definitely the time to come," Krueger said. "If you're not happy, we give the enrollment back. It's a great guarantee."

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.