A well-known local gym is entering a new chapter as the Town of Clayton transforms Clayton Fitness into a community-wide recreation facility designed to serve residents of all ages.
The Town recently purchased the building at 1370 Cameron Way for $3 million, with the help of a $1 million state grant secured through the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for Clayton,” said Mayor Jody McLeod. “The purchase of Clayton Fitness, combined with state funding support, ensures we can deliver a space that serves both our seniors and the community at large.”
The project fulfills a key goal of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, adopted in 2024, which identified a need for more intergenerational and senior-focused spaces. By repurposing an existing facility, the Town can meet that need more quickly and efficiently than building new.
As one of the fastest-growing towns in the area, Clayton’s population has expanded rapidly in recent years. That growth has brought increased demand for recreation options that foster community connection and support residents’ overall well-being. The new facility will help meet that demand by offering programs and activities for all ages under one roof — something residents have said they want to see more of.
The transformation of Clayton Fitness has already sparked strong community engagement. More than 200 residents attended a recent open house, where they toured the building, met with local officials and shared ideas for future programming. Suggestions ranged from senior fitness and wellness classes to youth enrichment programs, family recreation and adaptive activities for residents with special needs.
“This turnout speaks volumes about how invested our residents are in the future of this space,” McLeod said. “It’s exciting to see how much potential this project has to benefit our residents for generations to come.”
Interim Parks and Recreation Director Todd Riddick said community input will be central to shaping the facility’s design.
“This is more than just a building,” he said. “It’s a place where our community can come together, stay healthy and connect across generations. The size and layout of this facility give us the ability to expand programming for youth, adults and seniors under one roof.”
Town Councilmember Porter Casey emphasized that the project reflects the priorities identified in the master plan. “With this opportunity, we have a chance to expand the programming our community was seeking, while focusing on enhancing services for our seniors,” he said.
The new facility will also carry on a legacy of community wellness established by the Durham family, who opened Clayton Fitness in 2004 after years of serving local families through their childcare centers.
“Mr. Larry always said he’d be taking care of Clayton from babies to seniors,” said Pat Durham. “He would be so happy to know that vision is becoming reality.”
Their daughter, Tammy Lee, and her husband, Blake Lee, have operated the gym in recent years, continuing the family’s legacy of service to the community.
“From the start, Clayton Fitness was never just about fitness. It was about people,” Tammy said.
Planning and design efforts are underway, with the town aiming to have the facility renovated and open to the public by the end of 2026. The state funding must be used by June 30, 2026, giving a clear timeline to move forward.
Information courtesy of the Town of Clayton
