hosts grand opening The spirit of volunteerism shone through every clean pane of glass, newly laid carpet, and the freshly painted walls as visitors were welcomed to the March 10 grand opening of the Sweden Community Center. More than 400 people attended the event. Even though the facility was not "100 percent," Town of Sweden Supervisor Nat O. Lester III said, the doors were thrown open and visitors were welcomed to the newly renovated 30,000 square foot facility. The building is being leased from an anonymous benefactor who plans to eventually sell the building to the town for a nominal amount. More than $600,000 in improvements including installation of a new gymnasium and a new roof have been completed through the benefactor's generosity. Town officials and scores of volunteers have completed smaller improvement projects such as interior painting and cleaning. "I'm so glad we have something like this in Brockport," Sweden resident Michele Gennarino said. She attended the open house with her two sons, Benjamin, 3, and Nicholas, 5, who were taking advantage of the toddler gym area. "I used to come to the recreation projects when I was younger ... and now my boys can come here," Gennarino said. Lester thanked the volunteers who gave so much of their time to help get the facility ready for the open house. Less than one month prior, the gymnasium floor and the entrance-way tiles had yet to be completed. The facility boasts a waiting area with couches, a "quiet room" that features chess and other board games, a day-care facility and other rooms are available for public use. Cindy Baxter surveyed her newly renovated Jazzercise area. "This place is just beautiful," she said. "I even have prior students coming back to classes because of this new facility." Baxter, who operates classes in Spencerport, Hilton and now in the Sweden Community Center, said the town should be proud that they have this facility to offer their residents. "This is such a great community project," she said. Town Councilman Rob Carges said the center offers individuals a place to come during the day. "When we used the school, our activities had to be scheduled around theirs but now we can offer people a place to go during the day." Stel Lewis and Tomasina Maxim took time out of their day to attend the open house, get a tour and dance to the music of the Bud DeTar band. "This is just such a wonderful place," they both said as they twirled each other across the floor. Lester said the potential uses for the facility are unlimited. "We hope to be able to meet the recreational needs of all our residents ... from children to senior citizens." The town has begun the interview process for the position of recreation director for the center and hopes to have the person in place by early April. Anyone interested in booking rooms in the center is asked to contact the town hall for information. |
