A decade ago, a farsighted city council made the bold decision to replace the city’s aging gym and pool with a 14 million dollar Recreation and Aquatic Center.  I’m sure it took a lot of faith to make that sort of investment in the city.

The New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center features not one, but four pools, a double indoor basketball court, a fitness room, a dance room, a game room, and a large meeting room.  There are also outdoor tennis courts and a skate park!

The New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center is simply the best recreation center in the county.  One of the pools has the best water slide this side of Adventure Island.  Another pool is designed especially for young children and features a zero depth entry.  Interested in diving?  There is a dive pool.

Three of the pools are seasonal, but the fourth one, the lap pool, is heated and is open year round provided that the outside air temp is 60 degrees or higher.

The fitness room has proven to be very popular.   As great as the center is now, it is about to get a lot better.  The city is currently planning an expansion project for the rec center that will provide, among other things,  more room for even more fitness equipment.   A recommendation regarding architectural services for the expansion is scheduled for the February 3rd agenda.

There are also classes that you can sign up for at the center.  When you visit, be sure to ask for more information on these programs.

If one of your New Years resolutions is to take better care of yourself, you need to get to the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center at 6630 Van Buren Street before the end of the month and sign up.  The rec center staff will be happy to give you a tour so you can see everything before you whip out your check book or credit card.  You can also check out the rec center on facebook.

The annual adult membership for a city resident, including tax, is less than $20 a month.  Given what is included, the regular price is an amazing bargain.  There are also youth, senior, and family memberships available at great prices.  From now through January 31st, all annual memberships are available at 20% off.

The Parks and  Rec staff also offer quite a few special events in the parks.  The next one will be a free showing of Disney’s Maleficient in Sims Park on Saturday, January 24th at 6:15pm.  Be sure to bring a blanket to sit on and another one to wrap yourself up in.  It should be lots of fun.

Please take advantage of the things our city has to offer.

Rob Marlowe, Mayor