Membership growth at Choice Health & Fitness continues to soar, even with the anticipated construction of the nearby Altru Sports Complex. The Grand Forks Parks District, which oversees both facilities, is confident that the new complex will not detract from Choice’s success. Since its opening in late 2012, Choice has seen a steady increase in both membership revenue and facility visits.
George Hellyer, Executive Director of the Grand Forks Parks District, emphasized the intention to differentiate the new facility from Choice Health & Fitness. “Our goal is to operate Altru Sports Complex a little differently than Choice,” Hellyer stated. “We want to fill in the gaps and not duplicate services.”
Choice Health & Fitness, which cost approximately $23.3 million to build, spans 160,000 square feet. It offers various activities including weight training, basketball, and swimming. The facility has hosted significant events, such as state tournaments for high school sports, thanks to its indoor and outdoor tennis courts.
In contrast, the Altru Sports Complex is designed to be larger, at around 215,000 square feet, and is projected to cost approximately $100 million. Funding for the complex comes from a 0.75% sales tax, which was recently extended after a citywide vote in 2023. The complex will feature a turf playing surface, pickleball courts, sports training areas, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Since 2021, membership revenue at Choice has risen from $1,653,086 to $2,205,903 by 2025. Total visits to the facility increased from 317,669 in 2022 to 365,288 in 2025. Notably, its membership has grown from 4,470 to over 5,000 in the same period, distinguishing it from the non-membership-based model planned for the Altru Sports Complex.
Hellyer explained that the Altru Sports Complex will function more like the Parks District’s ice rinks, where users can rent facilities on a pay-per-use basis. “At the ice rink, anyone can rent an ice sheet for an hour, and that is the same thought process with Altru Sports Complex,” he noted.
Clubs for soccer, football, and lacrosse are expected to utilize the indoor turf facilities. The Parks District will manage the facility, ensuring smooth operations. While some overlap may occur in swimming programs, the approach aims to prevent competition with existing offerings at Choice Health & Fitness and the local YMCA, a partner organization.
“We don’t want to steal memberships from Choice or the Y, and then have members just go across the street to Altru Sports Complex,” Hellyer said. This strategy reflects a commitment to supporting community needs without undermining existing services.
The rise in memberships and revenue at Choice highlights the facility’s consistent quality. Routine maintenance keeps the venue in excellent condition, while recent updates include pool replastering, resurfacing of tennis courts, and new equipment. “We’re always keeping the user in mind and ensuring everything is up to speed,” Hellyer added.
Construction on the Altru Sports Complex is scheduled for completion by the summer of 2028. According to local reports, the project remains within its budget, projected at $110 million. As both facilities evolve, the Grand Forks community appears poised to benefit from expanded recreational options.
