Two years after an early morning, three-alarm blaze ripped through Bradford’s beloved Cedardale Health & Fitness, the Boston Road complex owned by the Veasey family is preparing to unveil their upgraded 85,000 square-foot gym space next month.
With presales underway since February, Ed and Zoe Veasey tell WHAV approximately 60 percent of former members have inked contracts for the new facility sight unseen. When they’re welcomed back, they’ll be invited into what Ed Veasey calls a state-of-the-art architectural gem.
“Conceptually, I bet you couldn’t find another place in the country or in the world that would be equal to what is going to be here,” he said.
Once inside, members new and old will see how the Veaseys have adopted a new approach to wellness from the inside out. Meditation is now offered among Cedardale’s 70 group classes, and the gym’s two registered dietitians are overhauling the Courtside Cafe menu to offer healthier options, including baked French fries.
A new weekly activity-based program for Parkinson’s disease patients called Delay the Disease, aimed at maintaining independence, is also planned. Youth ages 11 and older can take advantage of specially designed group strength and conditioning classes with their peers.
When it comes to working out, says Carolyn Veasey Jackson, the new Cedardale offers efficiency with an edge.
“We’ve put thought into it so that people aren’t intimidated coming to Cedardale—that they’re going to feel comfortable and get to know people so that they don’t dread going to the gym; they look forward to it,” Veasey Jackson told WHAV.
An elevated MONDO track, 25-yard warm water pool and Swedish Eleiko weightlifting platforms are among the new amenities, the Veaseys said. Virtual spinning classes are on the way, as is a pickleball program by popular demand.
Individual, couple and family memberships are available, with Marketing Director Diane Bolivar telling WHAV pricing for the new single-tier package is “competitive” and only a “slight” increase from previous rates. Presale rates can be secured by calling 978-373-1596.
As WHAV previously reported, the March 1, 2017 fire that caused between $2 and $5 million in damage was ruled accidental by the state fire marshal’s office and local officials after a three-month investigation. The fire began in a women’s locker room and several possible sources, including electrical wiring, small appliances or light fixtures, may be to blame, said Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey, Haverhill Fire Chief William Laliberty and Haverhill Police Chief Alan R. DeNaro.