Residents help Birmingham Mayor William Bell and councilors Lashunda Scales Valerie Abbott cut the ribbon on programs at the East Pinson Valley Recreation Center Saturday, Nov. 3.
Several city and neighborhood leaders were on hand at noon on Saturday for the grand opening of the East Pinson Valley Recreation Center that has been more than 10 years in the making.
"It's been a long, hard go, but we made it," Community Resource Representative Michael Shine told the audience about the project.
Plans for a recreation center in the area have been in the works since February of 2001, according to Pamela Robinson, secretary of the Apple Valley Neighborhood Association.
A new recreation facility was originally set for construction between Martin Drive and Highway 75, however, Birmingham Mayor William Bell approached community leaders about renovating what was known as the Jefferson State Community College Physical Education Building instead.
The renovation cost the city $1.2 million and the city will rent the property for $1 a month for the next 99 years, said Robinson.
The new facility will serve the residents of the Bridlewood, Apple Valley, Pine Knoll Vista, Sun Valley and Echo Highland neighborhoods. It has an Olympic size swimming pool, a gymnasium, an exercise room, meeting rooms and other amenities.
The fitness room at the center will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The swimming pool opens Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Saturdays, it is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Recreation center hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mayor William Bell told attendees that the new center was one of the best facilities in the city.
"This will be a model as long as I'm mayor of the city of Birmingham for all of our facilities," he said. "When you go into a park and recreation facility, I want it to be the best experience you could possibly have."
Councilwoman Lashunda Scales said she and residents have had some misgivings about the project throughout the renovation process, but the viability of the facility depends on community participation.
"Today is exciting," she said. "I do realize that regardless to whether or not I have been totally informed of this project, at the end of the day it's always about the people that I represent. I am encouraging residents that live in District one to support this facility as their tax dollars is paying for this facility."
Scales said she hopes that center will be able to address some issues in the surrounding communities.
"I pray that the needs of the community will be met," she said. "And that it can be an effective resource that we can count on in ways such as addressing obesity, community relations along with community involvement."
Sun Valley resident Karla Bell said she and her two children will use the facility for exercise and health information. She said the center also provides a chance for neighbors to interact more.
"I think it will be all of the communities together and be able to fellowship with one another," she said. "The kids will co-mingle and play together... It's a great idea for them to put it here. It also opens up the door for the seniors to have place to come, fellowship and talk."