The Ground Breaking ceremony was held on January 17^th for the new recreation center. Although it was a very blustery day with snow and wind, more than 70 people attend the ceremony hosted at the Gillette College. A short program was presented. I outlined to the group how the project got started and then elected officials from the County, School District and City addressed the crowd. Over the next few months, much of the pile driving will be completed along with dirt work, grading and utility locates.

Regarding the new facility, over the past several months, one of the most often asked questions we receive from the public is, “what will happen to the existing recreation center once the new facility is built?” The answer is, “we’re not sure”. The County Commissioners will make that decision sometime over the next 18 months. There have been several “ideas” about what to do with the current building, but no firm decision has been made. I’m sure the Commissioners will make that determination prior to the completion of the new facility.

The Wyoming Center at CamPlex is well underway and from all accounts, on schedule. The anticipated completion date is September of 2008.  The Parks and Recreation Department will operate the Ice Arena portion of the building (Spirit Hall) during the skating season which will run from the last week in September through April 30 each year. Our department will be responsible to manage, and schedule all ice related events such as figure skating, hockey, open skating programs, skating lessons, rentals and other activities taking place in the Ice Arena.

All winter activities are well underway so check out the Winter/Spring Brochure that lists many programs, activities and special events throughout the Winter and Spring seasons. If you don’t already have a copy, stop down at the Recreation Center and pick one up. From time to time, new activities are offered that may not be listed in our brochure. We will make every effort to keep you informed on these activities/time changes or cancellations of current events that may occur. Continue to check this web sight or call our offices for that information.

As we enter the end of the Winter season, there are still many opportunities to exercise and set that new workout routine. Commit yourself to make 2008 a positive “lifestyle change” year for you! Don’t hesitate, sign up for an exercise class now that will help you meet your expectations to become more physically fit. Like they say, “nothing makes a person more productive than the last minute”, don’t put it off any longer, call us at 682-7406 and sign up for a class today!

If you have any questions, ideas for new programs or comments about current activities or our facilities, please call or e-mail me at: dave@ccgov.net

Dave McCormick, CLP Director
Campbell County Parks and Recreation Department