OREM — To Karl Hirst, the answer to the nation's health-care issues can be found within the renovated walls of the Orem Fitness Center.
"I challenge you to watch TV for two nights and not see something about the national health care crisis or the obesity epidemic," said Hirst, Orem city recreation director.
"The answer to those questions is not in TV or Washington, D.C., it's in (this) building. We can solve all of the national crises in this building today."
As he spoke, Hirst pointed to the new wing of the Orem Fitness Center, a 6,000-square-foot addition at a "grand reopening" Thursday.
The addition at the center brings the total area to 105,000 square feet, with a basketball court, racquetball courts, small dance studios, a swimming pool and a weight room.
The center, built in 1979, welcomes nearly 1,500 people a day, with a current active membership of 15,386, said Lissy Sanders, fitness center manager.
Construction on the project began in March and was finished by August.
Before the new addition, cardio and aerobic equipment was jammed in stuffy hallways.
But thanks to a $1 million donation, the center was able to move the 18 treadmills and elliptical machines and the 12 exercise and spinning bikes into a new, breezy, two-story cardio area.
A new enclosed breezeway allows children who have come from the pool with wet hair and suits to wait for their parents inside rather than outside on the sidewalk.
There was also a steam room added near the pool. The steam room was the sole request by the donors, who were publicly thanked for the first time Thursday.
The Noorda family provided the million-dollar donation for the center and were at the grand reopening to see Tye Noorda's idea fulfilled and her husband, Ray Noorda, honored.
Ray Noorda, the former CEO of Novell and an Orem resident, died Oct. 9.
"We are so honored to have folks who are generous and are mindful of the community," said Orem City Mayor Jerry Washburn.
Hirst presented Tye Noorda with a new pass to the fitness center.
The center is open to anyone, although rates vary from Orem city residents to non-residents. For more information visit www.orem.org or call 229-7154.
E-mail: sisraelsen@desnews.com