First of Two New City Recreation Centers Now Open to the Public

 St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay is proud to announce the opening of the first of two new City recreation centers. Located in Carondelet Park, this new 76,000 square foot facility is owned by the City of St. Louis and operated by the YMCA of Greater St. Louis. A second facility is planned for North St .Louis' O'Fallon Park.

"These two projects are the result of years of hoping and planning and months of hard work by a whole lot of people," said Mayor Slay. "There are few things more central to a lively, dynamic neighborhood than having a meeting point like this one - a safe, vibrant community center. This is a place where you can improve your physical fitness, where you can feel safe about sending your children, and where you can connect with your neighbors."

Mayor Slay was joined by Gary Bess, Director of the City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry; Dan Schulze, Executive Director of the Carondelet Park Rec Plex; and Gary Schlansker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater St. Louis for the ribbon cutting.

In order to allow all citizens to try the new facility, the amenities at the Carondelet Park Rec Plex will be free of charge from November 19th to November 29th, 2009. The Carondelet Park Rec Plex will offer special rates to City residents as well as free access to the South City YMCA for all Carondelet Park Rec Plex members.

 

"If you know anyone who should be here, but cannot afford to be, I hope that you remind them that no one is turned away from a facility run by the YMCA because of the inability to pay," said Mayor Slay. "They believe, and I strongly agree, that everybody deserves a chance to be healthy; to feel a sense of community."

The Carondelet Park Rec Center includes an indoor water park featuring a two-story slide, lazy river, preschool play structure, zero-depth entry and lap lanes; a two-court gymnasium with an elevated indoor track; a state-of-the-art fitness center and aerobics studio; dedicated senior and teen recreation rooms; and more.

For more information on the Carondelet Park Rec Plex, please contact Julie Catron at 314-686-9743.