Local property taxes will not be used to fund The Summit: Center for Wellness. Loyalsock Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation, funded through private donations, corporate donations, and private and public grants. Loyalsock Foundation continues to actively apply for private and public grants. A capital campaign is also part of the fundraising process. Senator Yaw and the Sullivan County Commissioners made a 2019 joint recommendation to include The Summit: Center for Wellness in the PA Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program (RACP); Senator Yaw has secured a line item in the capital budget for $7.5 million, which allows Loyalsock Foundation to apply to this program until 2030 for a maximum amount of $7.5 million as long as we have a one-to-one match from other sources. 

Through an application process, the Sullivan County Commissioners have granted Loyalsock Foundation Act 13 funds to support the development of concept design plans and the Outdoor Recreation Concept Plan.

To offset operational costs, we will establish an endowment fund to ensure The Summit’s sustainability. We are also in active discussions with local agencies, organizations, and health care networks that may potentially lease space at The Summit and provide valuable health and wellness services. Also, we continue to research opportunities for programming grants for educational classes, swimming instruction, etc.

The Summit: Center for Wellness is a strategic part of the economic development plan for the county and supports the Northern Tier Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which identifies The Summit: Center for Wellness as a regional priority project under the goal of “Improving the Quality of Life of Northern Tier Residents.” Specifically, the CEDS calls for the development of recreational infrastructure to benefit community members and attract visitors, both of which this project will accomplish.

The Summit: Center for Wellness will be a major local construction project, creating jobs during the building phase. Local contractors, engineers, laborers, loggers, suppliers, landscapers, and builders will be invited to submit proposals and provide building materials. Once The Summit is operational, it will also require staff to manage and maintain the facility, creating additional employment opportunities.

Yes. Memberships will be available to everybody. This includes Sullivan County’s permanent residents, seasonal residents, and visitors, plus people who live outside of Sullivan County but may work in the area. There will be no restrictions on memberships. In order to access The Summit’s indoor features (swimming pool, walking track, fitness equipment, etc.), you will need to purchase a membership. However, the welcome area located in the lobby of the building will be open and accessible to members and non-members with free access to WiFi. All outdoor recreation areas, including The Landing, trails, and outdoor amphitheater, will be open to non-members.

The following membership costs are offered as projections and are subject to change depending on offerings at The Summit upon completion. 

Adult - $35/mo or $420 Annual

Senior - $26/mo or $312 Annual

Household - $50/mo or $600 Annual (2 adults and 3 under 18 years – any additional members of household are 50% for individual)

These recommendations are based on facility offerings at The Summit as well as the prices charged in neighboring communities and similar rural settings around the country, as presented in the operational and market analyses completed in 2022 and updated in March 2024 by Ballard*King Associates. 

In collaboration with the Sullivan County Recreational Association, we have established the Summit Thrive Fund for people who may need assistance to meet the membership fees. This fund will be used to offset membership costs and will be allocated on a case-by-case basis.

Under the current strategic plan, The Summit: Center for Wellness is scheduled for construction in 2028, although this projection is based on the necessary funding falling into place in a timely fashion and may change. Loyalsock Foundation is raising funds through grants, donations, and a capital campaign. Applying for grants is a competitive process. Loyalsock Foundation and its volunteers are working hard to secure the necessary funds to build The Summit in a timely manner.