Photo provided Bridgeport Exempted Village School District Board of Education Vice President Ryan Kreiter, left, introduces trainer Cole Smelley, who will be opening the Dog Pound fitness center in the multipurpose Bridge facility scheduled for completion this August.

BRIDGEPORT – Bridgeport Exempted Village School District recognized the importance of health and fitness to the community while planning the multipurpose facility to be dubbed “the Bridge.” When the center for education, health and community events opens its doors this summer, the public will meet Cole Smelley, a trainer who is setting up his Dog Pound fitness center to serve both student athletes and visitors of all ages.

Hours of operation will be 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Standard membership fees will be $40 per month, $30 for Bridgeport faculty and $10 per month for students. Older adults will enjoy keeping in condition through a Silver Sneakers program, which offers free access to those who qualify.

The Dog Pound will provide individual and group fitness training opportunities for members. Smelley, a 2012 graduate who has been a personal trainer for 11 years, foresees the gym becoming another expression of the community.

“The Dog Pound will be a family-oriented space where everyone is welcome. Anyone who is looking to better themselves physically and mentally will fit right in.”

Smelley is excited to continue the Bulldog culture that made him the man he is.

“It’s a dream come true to be able to provide this opportunity for the community. For me being a Bridgeport grad, my time at Bridgeport was something I will always remember. A lot of great role models, coaches and teachers that I still keep in touch with to this day, and now my kids are going to this school so it’s kind of a full circle moment,” he said.

“When I attended Bridgeport High School, I was blessed to witness how sports and fitness can really bring a community together,” he said. “Just having something that everybody can get behind and support brings a sense of togetherness.”

Smelley was among the area stakeholders and service providers invited to join the planning stages for the Bridge. During visits to the construction site, he mapped out the Dog Pound, picking areas for machines, free weights, cardio equipment and self-propelled treadmills for speed training.

“From day one we just wanted to provide our community with the best facility possible, so we could encourage members of our community to take their health and well-being seriously. The architects and everybody involved did a great job. They took a lot of my input designing the gym, and I’m very thankful.”

Smelley immediately saw the potential of the Bridge, which will be perfectly situated to serve the area.

“Being so close to our school is going to encourage a lot of the youth to take part in getting a gym membership and be consistent with their physical fitness. It’ll bring kids together year-round, not just when it’s your sport,” he said. “It’ll bring these kids closer together and bring our school and community closer together.”

He said the Silver Sneakers activities are expected to be popular.

In working with visitors to the Dog Pound, Smelley’s philosophy is to commit to a small improvement every day, which will lead to bigger, long-term improvements.

“Building a healthier community is the mission.”

Smelley noted the anticipation for the Dog Pound among members of the community.

“I have people coming up to me almost on a daily basis and saying they can’t wait until the gym opens up and they can’t wait to get a membership,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a huge turnout right out the gate.”

He expects convenience will make the site popular.

“Especially for the parents. They come in the morning, drop their kids off and they might have some time on their hands to come right over to the fitness center to work out,” he said. “For members of the community who do not currently go to a gym, the Dog Pound will serve as the perfect place to start of reignite your fitness journey.”

Many hands went into making the Bridge a reality, and Smelley credits the power of the team.

“It’s amazing all the hard work and effort that was put in by everybody involved,” he said. “I’d like to thank everybody who helped make this possible as it’s going to be the start of a new culture in Bridgeport.”

Superintendent Brent Ripley said Smelley was perfect for the health and fitness element of the Bridge.

“When we designed this, we knew we wanted to do a gym and wellness area. There was no doubt who we wanted to get into this facility, and that was Cole. Cole’s been working with our kids for years. He’s been working with people in the Ohio Valley for 11 years. Cole is very approachable. He thrives on relationships. He’s positive, and he encourages people to do better.”

Ripley has personal experience of Smelley’s professionalism.

“Cole put a program together for me that was specific on my needs, and he guided me through it.”

Ripley said that expertise is available to anyone who wants to walk through the Dog Pound’s doors. To anyone wondering if this gym is right for them, Ripley said the answer is: yes.

“One of life’s greatest celebrations is taking joy in the transformation of others. Everyone’s story is different, and everyone is fighting a battle that you don’t know. As human beings, we are to encourage and share in the victories of one another no matter how big or small they are,” he said.

“I would urge anyone, when Cole releases those memberships, sign up for one,” Ripley said. “You are going to feel better physically, mentally, spiritually, and you’re just going to embrace yourself as a person by improving your health and body. I was one of those people that thought you must be perfect when making a transformation. The truth is, you simply need to show up, put in the work and embrace the concept of building yourself every day.”

The Bridge will open its doors in August.