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 www.slfp.com St. Louis Front Page 3832 S Broadway Street St. Louis, MO 63118 www.slfp.com Voice: 314-771-0200 Fax: 314-771-0300 To submit news, contact: editor@slfp.com Please e-mail advertising@slfp.com or call 314-771-0200 for information or questions about advertising opportunities in the Community Section. |
Spotlight on St. Louis Area Neighborhood Activities - Updated January 19, 2013
by Bob Moore, SLFP.com ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), January 19, 2013 - The journey to build a state-of-the-art recreation facilities in north St. Louis began in 2004. After years in the planning, numerous public meetings and a concerted effort by concerned citizens and city officials, residents of all ages can now enjoy the amenities of the new $23 million O'Fallon Park Recreation Complex. The complex will open its doors officially on Monday, January 21, 2013. The 76,000-square-feet complex will be operated by the YMCA of Greater St. Louis. The Herbert Hoover Boy's & Girl's Club of Greater St. Louis will provide youth programming. "This is a great day for the City of St. Louis," stated Mayor Francis G. Slay at a Ribbon Cutting ceremony, Saturday, January 19, to celebrate the opening. The mayor noted that the goal was to have the same amenities that residents enjoy in the suburbs all across the St. Louis area. "This is a gift by the people of St. Louis," the mayor emphasized. The O'Fallon facility and the Carondolet facility are the only two rec centers built in the City of St. Louis since 1971. Antonio French, 21st Ward Alderman, spoke proudly about the positive impact of the complex on the community. "We've seen a wonderful transformation happening in the O'Fallon neighborhood and O'Fallon Park in the last few years. The O'Fallon Park Recreation Complex is the crown jewel for this community," he stated. French stressed that youth will now have something to do in the summer instead of hanging out on the street corners. He noted that it was a difficult struggle along the way, but the strong partnership of local organizations and the board of aldermen made sure it was done in a fair way to represent the community. "Let's make sure that this is a successful project for years to come," concluded French. The O'Fallon facility features a unique indoor water park with a 2.5 story slide and lazy river, preschool play structure, zero-depth entry, and lap lanes. The outdoor pool will feature five lap lanes, two story waterslide, stadium seating, and a concession stand. In addition to the whirlpool, sauna and steamrooms, the facility also has a full-size double gymnasium, with 12 basketball hoops, volleyball nets and an elevated indoor running and walking track. The complex features a fitness center with free weights, cardiovascular machines, circuit training system and group exercies studio. Amenities also include a teen hub, child and tot watch rooms, wet multipurpose room for pool parties, programing for adults and seniors, diverse fitness classes and specialized aquatics. "Today is a day that truly many of our seniors and children are happy that exists," Senator Jamilah Nasheed (5th District). "At a time when you have children who can only play in their backyards and the alleys with basketball courts, that's no longer in north St. Louis. Citizens no longer have to worry about pulling up in the middle of the street and have children blocking the street. We have the YMCA." As the crowd clapped in response, she added "We all have an obligation here, as voters who made this happen. It's going to take each and everyone of us here to sustain this facility. Because as you know and I know that because people think it's not theirs, they don't take good care of it. But this belongs to each and everyone of us. So if you see a child walk through that door and dropped something, you check them as if they were your own." Nasheed remarked that this opening was even more special because it happened in the month of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday celebration. "This is one of his dreams that came true. So let's make this dream a reality and let's keep it clean." Various memberships types are available at the facility, and financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Youth will be able to participate for an annual membership of just $25. For more information, call 314-932-1423. See related stories: Agreement Reached to Open O'Fallon Park Recreation Complex Early Next Year St. Louis Officials Break Ground for O'Fallon Park Recreation Complex in North City Carondelet Park Rec Plex Opens with Parade and Ribbon Cutting
 
The Community Information Guide is presented in conjunction with the St. Louis Front Page and Southwest Illinois News. The sites are owned and maintained by the Moore Design Group for the sole purpose of disseminating news and information about the Metropolitan St. Louis area. Text or graphics may not be copied, rewritten or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission. For more information, contact editor@slfp.com All rights reserved world wide © 1996 - 2013 Moore Design Group. |
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