Valentine’s Day 2019 could have new meaning for McMinnville Civic Center. Thursday, Feb. 14, is expected to be the first day it’s closed after 44 years.

The facility opened in 1975 and unless the timeline changes, it will close at 1 p.m. on Feb. 13 and reopen at Three Star Mall at 8 a.m. the following morning. 

“These are tentative dates that we’ve set,” said McMinnville Parks and Recreation director Scott McCord. “They could be subject to change. Hopefully not. It’s an exciting time for us, but it has been very stressful coordinating the move.”

Specifically, the Wellness Center (cardio and weight room) will close at the end of the day on Feb. 11. All fitness classes and all other activities will continue at the Civic Center until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, when the building closes. The Wellness Center and fitness classes will begin at the mall on Valentine’s Day. 

“All classes will need to check in at the new front desk at the mall,” said McCord. “The front desk will be where Pioneer Play Pit was once located.”

When questioned, McCord said the shutdown will not impact outdoor activities such as Gilley Pool this summer.

“The contractor’s plan is to use the front parking lot for staging,” he said. “The back parking lot, and probably a portion of the front parking lot closest to the school, can still be used by visitors for access to the Gilley Pool, Jungle Jym, outdoor tennis courts, the skate park, and the ballfields.”

Start date for construction/ renovation to begin on the $9.2 million upgrade is Feb. 18. Everything has to be out at that time. 

The Civic Center was designed to be the cornerstone of Parks and Recreation services in McMinnville.