Rec center reopens after major makeover

(Salt Lake City) It's a brand-new day for the 42-year-old Central City Recreation Center, which has reopened after a major makeover that has the place sparkling like never before.

The $3.4 million renovation at the center, 615 S. 300 East, Salt Lake City, has transformed the well-used structure into a showplace equipped with state-of-the-art fitness room and computer lab as well as remodeled classrooms, administrative offices and locker rooms. It also features a new multi-purpose field and a new playground.

"The community is very glad to have this back," said program director Maggie Aloia on Wednesday of the one-year down time for remodeling. "I'm very excited. We worked very hard for this."

The center is operated by Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation, which took over operations from Salt Lake City in 1977. Funding for the remodel came from the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks tax.

"I want to thank taxpayers for voting for ZAP," said Aloia, who has been at the center for 18 years. "We're grateful that we can keep our doors open for another 42 years."

The 28,500-square-foot building also got new plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems along with energy efficient windows and a new roof. The old swimming pool was turned into a parking lot.

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