RUMFORD – An ad hoc committee began work Thursday night on researching the possibility of constructing a health and fitness center that would include a pool.

Frank DiConzo, a SAD 43 board member, heads up the group of SAD 21 and SAD 43-affiliated members, and several representatives from the general public.

Under consideration is an addition to the Mountain Valley High School gym that would be funded by grants and a fund-raising campaign. The source of those grants is not known yet.

DiConzo said no school tax dollars would be used for the project.

Thoughts of constructing such a facility, which would be used by students and River Valley residents, began when SAD 43 and SAD 21 received a $360,000 grant over three years for exercise and wellness equipment.

When the idea for an addition surfaced last month, initial thoughts were to use part of that money and volunteer labor to construct a small facility. Since then, DiConzo said he’s not sure that the grant money can be used for building construction.

Instead, he and others want to resurrect an idea that was raised several years ago to build an all-encompassing fitness center, including a pool, that would serve the entire River Valley area.

At last week’s meeting three subcommittees – one each for grant writing, building design and a business plan – were set up to begin the research process.

“It’s a pretty big undertaking,” DiConzo said. “It needs community backing.”

He estimated the project, if successful, could take at least five years.

“We’re not looking for school district or town money,” he said. “We want ideas of where we can get the money.”

He said such a facility could serve people who now must travel out of the area for therapies that require a pool, as well as give students a place to swim and residents a chance to exercise.

Ideas should be directed to him by mail to 392 High St. in Rumford.

The committee meets next at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 27 at Mountain Valley High School.

Committee members include: SAD 43 board member Mark Touchette, SAD 43 buildings and grounds director Tim Gallant, SAD 21 Wellness Coordinator Laurie Soucy, River Valley Wellness Center director Tina Sirois, MVHS Principal Bruce Lindberg, and SAD 43 physical education teachers Todd Papiano and Chris Simanek.

DiConzo said he also plans to talk with the Rumford town manager and officials from other towns, MVHS alumni, and people who were involved with a similar idea from several years ago.