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Operated by Culpeper Wellness Foundation, Culpeper’s newest recreation facility helps fulfill the local nonprofit’s goal to “improve health and promote wellness in Culpeper, Madison and Orange counties.”

Massey stressed that people don’t have to be a member to use the new center, which is across the street from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ Culpeper office. The center is located at 19002 Crossroad Parkway, just off U.S. 29.

“Anyone can come in and participate for a nominal fee,” she said. “And we have various scholarships and programs for people who might need help.”

Lauren Owens was at the center Saturday with her 7-year-old son Raylan for a tumbling class.

“There’s nothing like this in Remington, where we live,” Owens said. “We have to either go to Warrenton or Culpeper.”

Raylan said he likes the challenges posed by his tumbling class.

“I like doing everything,” he said. “The people are nice.”

Owens is not a member of the facility, but was interested in looking around during its grand opening.

“I don’t think we’ll join, but I’m glad to be able to participate in some of the classes for kids,” she said.

Sarah Deal, a teacher with Culpeper County Public Schools’ Phoenix Alternative Education Services, said she hopes the new recreation center will benefit her students.

“I think they might work with us to help create special programs that could teach coping skills and positive emotional and physical outlets for these kids,” Deal said.

Of her own fitness, she said the center’s employees are supportive and encourage trying new things.

Deal has been a member for the past three years, working out previously at Culpeper Sport & Fitness, which closed in March as the fitness center at PATH replaced it.

“They have super-friendly staff and great trainers that often will give helpful suggestions and give me the confidence I need to expand what I try,” she said.

Deal had her two daughters, Natalie, age 10, and Reagan, 7, with…