The
reopening and new membership drive for the new Taylor Recreation Center took
place this morning (Wednesday, October 1). The center is located at 22805
Goddard, near the corner of Pardee Road.
Through
Saturday, October 4, the center will be open between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tours
will be available during those times and the staff will be promoting and
selling memberships. Memberships will cost as low as $10 per month for
seniors and $20 per month for a family of four. In fact, if you pay
the full price up front for an annual membership, even more discounting comes
into play. For seniors paying up front for a full-year membership, the cost is
only $100 (a $20 savings), while adult and family full-year memberships
paid up front cost only $200 (a $40 discount).
A
hidden benefit will be a free pass to summertime swimming in the Northwest
Pool, the city’s only outdoor pool facility. Memberships will also get you free ice
skate rental at the Taylor Sportsplex, a buy one, get one free discount at the
Petting Farm and a 10 percent discount on items at the restaurants in both
golf courses, Taylor Lakes and Meadows.
The
city is also working on other specials to add to the value of memberships,
including a discount at Sky Zone, the city's new indoor trampoline facility
on Eureka Road. Free passes will be available to tryout the facility and
former Fitness USA clients will receive free trial passes, too (including
a three-day free pass for those who can provide an old Fitness USA card or
documentation).
Members
receive access to walking/jogging; cardio/weight room; full locker room with showers
and newly renovated sauna; and ample parking.
Mayor
Rick Sollars, staff, elected officials and residents attended the kickoff,
along with former Detroit Pistons’ Bad Boy James “Budda” Edwards. Sollars
spoke briefly during the opening ceremony and underscored the importance
of available recreation facilities within the City, as well as Taylor
residents supporting the recreation center.
“I
used to belong to the recreation center when it was open,” said City Council
Chairwoman Linda Parker Craig. “I think the facility looks great – better
than it’s ever looked.”
Crews
have been working in the facility for several weeks. Upgrades have been made to
both the men's and women's saunas and the women's locker room has gotten a
big upgrade, with the old carpeting being replaced by new tile and new
benches replacing the old seating, which gives the room more interior
space.An updated cardio facility replaces the former Zumba room and is already
outfitted with a large flat-screen TV. Four other new flat-screen TVs ring
the walking-jogging track. There is another flat-screen TV in the weight
room.
Taylor
Dance will continue to be housed in the west wing of the building and several
of the organization’s dancers performed an outstanding number during the
reopening. Zumba is moving from the second floor to a room in the first
floor's southeast corner; Karate and fitness classes will be offered; and
massage remains available. Golfers can hone their skills in the
first-floor room devoted to driving and pitching.
Racquetball
is a popular pastime at the recreation center and plenty of courts will be available.
The same goes for wallyball, where staffers are seeking both individuals and teams
to create league play. There has been discussion of adding pickleball, if there
is a demand.
With
winter on the horizon and gym court space at a premium in the City, it should
be noted that the recreation center's gym is always for rent. This space
may be especially attractive to baseball and softball teams that want to
practice during the offseason. A full batting cage and pitching machine is
available. To reserve the gym and receive the best times possible, call
the recreation center today. The hourly rate is just $40.
The
center will open for regular business on beginning Monday, October 6.
The
regular schedule will focus on the usually heavy workout hours of early morning
and evening. It will be open Mondays through Fridays from 6-10 a.m. and
again between 5-9 p.m. Saturday, it will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. It
will be closed on Sundays.
For
more information or to sign up for membership, email Chrystal Kermans-Ditzhazy
at ckermans-ditzhazy@ci.taylor.mi.us or call (734) 374-8900.
In
addition, “like” us on Facebook at Taylor-MI Recreation Center, where we will
be posting updates, specials and other information.
The
City of Taylor’s Golf, Parks and Recreation Department is also seeking
part-time workers. For more information, look for job announcements by
clicking on www.cityoftaylor.com/HR.
