Rec Center Opens to Praise, Criticism

Estimated 5,000 members needed to cover $2 million yearly price
tag for Morgan Hill facility
Morgan Hill – Determined to meet lofty goals such as fighting obesity and promoting “multi-generational interaction” – in addition to nearly breaking even financially by its third year of operation – the city’s $27.6 million Centennial Recreation Center opened its doors to charter members Saturday. 

And in a city where fiscal conservatives are apt to criticize new public facilities that run on city funds, the staff at the 52,000-square-foot fitness facility, at 171 W. Edmundson Ave., hopes that having sold about 400 membership packages so far – accounting for about 1,100 total members – is a sign of prosperity to come.

Still, the city estimates 5,000 members are needed to cover the $2 million yearly price tag. To show off the state-of-the-art facility and generate more interest, a grand opening celebration is planned from 10am to 3pm, Oct. 28 to lure potential paying customers with free fitness demos for all ages, a barbecue lunch, free swimming and activities for children such as face painting, animal balloons, music and games.

“Our goal is by the end of the third fiscal year, January 2009, to be as close to cost recovery as possible,” said Steve Rymer, the center’s director of recreation and community services, echoing optimism he conveyed at a city council meeting in May.

But Rymer is weary of giving the wrong impression with those words about the indoor center, which was built with redevelopment funds and is jointly managed by the YMCA. “It’s not a promise,” he said, noting most public facilities don’t break even. “Buildings like this require a tax investment.”

The city hopes that investment pays off as residents discover the amenities inside the new building. The center touts an indoor swimming pool, a full-court basketball gym, an exercise studio and a cardio and weight room with machines that communicate with each other via an online data management system designed to improve the effectiveness of workouts.

“It increases your experience,” said fitness coach Gil Barry, explaining how people can use a key pad to punch in their personal codes on treadmills, stationary bikes and elliptical machines. “This will even send you an e-mail if you miss a workout.”

There’s even a chance of retrieving that nagging e-mail in the lobby – the building itself is rigged with free wireless Internet access. 

And that’s not all that’s free. Residents young and old can make use of the facility’s teen center and senior center, which include computers with Web access. Parents who want to burn calories can also take advantage of free child care for kids ages 6 weeks to 12 years in a playroom next to the main lobby.

“I think it’s a really good investment for the city,” said Morgan Hill resident Elizabeth Camacho, waiting for her aerobics class to start Wednesday morning. “I have school age kids, and since it’s indoors it provides something to do year round.”

An adult membership at the public health club costs $52 per month, more than 24 Hour Fitness and Contours Express, two smaller private health clubs in town. Either way, one club owner said she’s not “threatened” by the city’s investment of tax dollars in the fitness industry and an ambitious membership drive.

“Everybody should be exercising if they can,” said Karen Richards, owner of Contours Express, a predominately women’s club on Monterey Road. “I’m not threatened by it at all. Maybe there are people who can’t do the weights, and need to be swimming. Anything to promote more exercising is something I’d support.”

Rymer said good customer service is the ultimate goal in attracting residents. The building’s lobby includes a flat-screen TV, comfy chairs and tables, and staff members willing to give anyone a free tour. 

“We’re trying to get people of all ages to come to a welcoming environment. We’re trying to make workouts fun,” Rymer said. 

He said the partnership with Mt. Madonna YMCA takes advantage of the YMCA’s experience with the “membership model,” and providing “high-quality” health and fitness programs. “What we’re bringing forward is our experience running the Aquatics Center (on Condit Road) and our years of experience operating community-oriented programs and activities,” Rymer said.

Members who pay a monthly fee to use the facility get access to five other YMCAs in South County, including the Mt. Madonna YMCA on Crest Avenue.

San Martin Resident Betty Ditmore, who volunteers for the county and YMCA-funded Senior Nutrition Program in the building’s cafeteria, said the new facility should encourage older residents to get out and about.

“I think it’s wonderful. It gets people out, gives them something to do, especially the elderly,” said 84-year-old Ditmore, who’s showing no signs of slowing down. 

The Senior Nutrition Program runs Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 2pm.

“We’ve got a beautiful kitchen, and we’ve hired a cook with 20 years restaurant experience,” said Pat Wyman, the senior center’s director, noting older residents have anticipated the arrival of a new center for more than 10 years.

Morgan Hill resident Manuel Medina thinks the center will bring more people together as the city of 36,000 continues to grow.

“Morgan Hill is a bedroom community,” said 60-year-old Medina, who recently bought a membership. “When people look in their backyards and see where their money’s going, they’ll start gathering more.”