Dan Smith, director of Troy Parks and Recreation, is on a mission to improve the health of Pike County residents.
To that end, the department will open the Sportplex’s new Health and Wellness Fitness Center Monday. Packed with the latest fitness equipment, the center will give members all the necessary tools to get in shape or rehabilitate from injuries.
Smith said the center’s focus will be on people who have never worked out before and those who haven’t seen the inside of a gym in 10 years.
“We’re not trying to make everybody a bodybuilder. We just want people to excel and be active,” he said. “We’re fortunate to have a variety of sports and activities for the youth, but for adults we hope this will be a good opportunity.”
The center will hold an open house today. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the facility will be open to the general public for free tours and workouts.
Smith said the open house serves two purposes. It gives people a chance to visit and sign up for membership and it is great training for his staff.
Parks and Recreation added several new employees to staff the facility.
“In many ways, the City of Troy is a great employer, not only in full-time jobs but part-time jobs,” Smith said. “And we’ll have employees available to answer questions and help new members.”
Starting Monday, April 14, the center will be open Monday through Thursday, from 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday, from 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The building opens at 6 a.m. but the center will open an hour earlier to give people with children to take to school or a job to report to enough time to start their days with a workout.
“A lot of people can use this,” Smith said. “We believe it’s going to contribute to the effort to make the people of Troy and Pike County healthier.”
For more information, visit www.troyrecreation.org or call 566-4031.