MAGNA -- A brand-spanking-new fitness and recreation center, the first such center built by Salt Lake County in nearly three decades, opened its doors to the public here Friday.
County officials participated in grand opening ceremonies complete with speeches, facility tours, fitness demonstrations, drawings and, of course, refreshments Friday morning."We'll have everything from casual activities to high-impact training equipment," crowed center director Clark Littleton. "We truly believe people will be impressed with the kind of programs we can offer here."
A free open house continues through the weekend and includes a health fair on Saturday.
The $5.5 million facility is the first of three major fitness and recreation centers built by Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation using Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) funds. The other two centers, Dimple Dell in Sandy and Gene Fullmer (named for the Utah boxer) in West Jordan, are scheduled to open this spring.
Salt Lake County voters approved the one-tenth-of-1-percent ZAP tax in November 1996 to fund cultural arts organizations, Hogle Zoo, park improvements and recreational facilities.
Murray's $6.8 million ice rink, which opened late last year, was the first of a dozen major facilities to be built with ZAP funds this year. It has also funded the new 81,000-square-foot equestrian arena at the new fairgrounds in South Jordan as well as swimming pools and recreation centers throughout the valley.
According to a 1998 report, the ZAP fund collected and spent $13.9 million that year. About $4.2 million went toward building recreational facilities, $1.8 million to Hogle Zoo and $8 million to a wide variety of arts and cultural organizations ranging from the Utah Symphony to Swiss Chorus Edelweiss.
"(The ZAP tax) has enabled an entire spectrum of organizations, large and small, to share their art and traditions with the entire community," said Lynette Hiskey, ZAP program coordinator for Salt Lake County.
Over its 10-year life the ZAP tax is expected to raise $120 million.
The 42,000-square-foot Magna facility is located next to the Kennecott-Magna outdoor pool at Pleasant Green Park, 3270 S. 8400 West. It features a double-wide gymnasium, indoor running tracks and aerobics, strength and conditioning rooms. It will host various sports and fitness programs. There is also a licensed child-care facility for full or part-time care. For more information call 250-2194.