Brookline Recreation Center - Fitness Center Dedication 2010

Brookline Memorial Recreation Center
Fitness Center Dedication - December 2010

Citiparks Director Mike Radley opens the Fitness Center Dedication Ceremony in the gymnasium.

On Saturday, December 4, 2010, the Brookline Recreation Center re-opened after a four-month renovation that included the addition of a state-of-the-art Fitness Center. Civic and local leaders gathered with Brookline residents and Recreation Center patrons to celebrate the christening of the new fitness facility. The workout rooms are equipped with a variety of weight-lifting machines, an abundant assortment of free weights, treadmills and other exercise amenities. The Fitness Center is ADA-compliant.

Cub Scouts lead the Pledge of Allegiance; Mayor Luke Ravenstahl addresses the crowd.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl joined with Citiparks Director Mike Radley and State Senator Wayne Fontana to address the crowd, which included retired Center Director Chuck Senft. Chuck was the Recreation Director in Brookline for forty-seven years, from 1957 to 2003, at both Moore Park and Brookline Memorial Park.

"The Brookline Recreation Center remains a true keystone of this community and we're proud to expand its program offerings by opening this new fitness center," said Mayor Ravenstahl. "For decades, residents have enjoyed a wide variety of health and fitness activities at this complex. This ADA-accessible fitness center will offer new opportunities for weight-lifting, cardio-vascular exercise and related classes."

State Senator Wayne Fontana (center) was instrumental in obtaining funding for the project.

The renovation project represents a $400,000 investment, funded by Citiparks, the Department of Public Works and a grant from Senator Fontana. In addition to the Fitness Center, the Recreation Building has new HVAC equipment and several other upgrades.

"I am proud to have partnered with Mayor Ravenstahl and the City's Parks Department and Public Works so I could secure State funds to help construct this exercise facility in my district," said Senator Fontana. "I expect those who take advantage of this facility will enjoy their time here and more importantly, experience a healthier lifestyle."

Retired Center Director Chuck Senft (left) cuts one of the ribbons. The Scouts open the weight rack.

After the opening remarks in the gymnasium, patrons and guests were ushered downstairs to cut ribbons on the new fitness equipment. Adorning the walls of the facility are framed portraits of Pirate and Steeler favorites. The artwork was created by Brookline artist Dino Guarino. Following the ribbon-cutting festivities, refreshments were served.

The community of Brookline is fortunate to have such a fine Recreation Center with such a variety of program offerings. The new Fitness Center highlights a schedule that includes a year-round slate of activities for young and old alike. The Brookline Memorial Recreation Center is one of the many attractions that make this neighborhood such a special place.

There was plenty of good food for the patrons and guests in attendance.

The Brookline community and the Recreation Center Staff thank the following individuals for bringing this project to fruition: Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Mike Radley (Director of Parks), State Senator Wayne Fontana, Rob Kaczorowski (Director of Public Works), Duane Ashley (Director of Operations), Federico Siegert (Project Architect), Ray Klimko (Supervisor, Public Works), Henry Cafardi (Foreman, Public Works), James Krashna (Supervisor, Citiparks), Rich Eiszler, Steve Weis and Dan Stephens (Citiparks); Angelo Pugliano (Pugliano Construction), Susan Lami and Rick Avon (Lami Grubb Architects), Rob Wojciechowski (Allegheny City Electric), Colin Powell (Powell Mechanical) and Ted Mannering (Professional Fitness Solutions).

Greg Bykowski, Engineering and Construction, and Federico Siegert, Project Architect (left);
The new fitness room (right) is a wonderful addition to the Recreation Center.
It was nice to see Chuck Senft again after so many years away.