TAYLOR RECREATION CENTER: Reopening and membership drive is on

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.