Last weekend about 150 residents turned out on a dreary, rainy Sunday to get a close-up look at the new – and controversial – Secaucus Recreation Center. Mayor Dennis Elwell and the Town Council hosted a free five-hour open house during which residents could tour the facility, test the equipment, ask questions, and join.
The event was billed as the center’s “grand opening.” The facility had what Town Administrator David Drumeler called a “soft opening” in December.
The 33,000 square foot facility, located at 1200 Koelle Blvd., across the street from the Secaucus Swimming Center, has been accepting new members (residents only) since the end of last year.
The center features an indoor running track, an indoor swimming pool, free weights, elliptical machines, a basketball court, and a room for group classes such as yoga and spinning. There are also locker rooms for men and women.
‘Cheaper than liposuction’
For many residents, Sunday’s open house was the first time they were inside the center.
Those interviewed said they were impressed with what they saw.
“I think we might join, especially if they keep it strictly within the town people,” said John Maurin who toured the facility with his wife Lori and their son John. “If they were to start letting other people join, I think that might change the atmosphere and make it different. But I think we’ll probably join.”
Maurin tested a stationary bike used for spinning as he spoke.
“Yeah, I like it. It’s very nice,” Lori Maurin said, noting that the open house was the first time she had been inside the recreation center. “It’s good.”
“I think it’s wonderful thing,” said Nancy Mateo. “It’s something this town needs. And the price is right. And it’s less expensive than liposuction,” she added, joking.
The center offers several membership rates.
Adults 22 years and older can get an individual one-year membership for $299, or $30 a month. Younger adults under age 22 can sign up for $175, or $20 a month. Couples can join for $550, or $55 per month. Individual seniors can join for the annual rate of $175, or $20 a month, and membership for senior couples is $300 annually or $30 a month.
Family rates are also available for $350 and $575 annually, or $35 and $60 a month, depending on the number of adults in the household.
A former member of a more expensive health club, Mateo said she was definitely going to join. She cited water aerobics, lap swimming, and the elliptical machines as the features that interested her most.
Secaucus Board of Education member Frank Trombetta said, “It’s a win-win situation for everybody. It balances the needs of senior citizens with the needs of student athletes and the needs of people who just want to work out. This year for the first time we’ll have a swim team. It’s an asset to the community.”
During the school year, the local public school system will use the center for team practices and competitions.
Trombetta said he currently pays double the rec center fees for a gym membership in Lyndhurst. When that membership expires he said he plans to join the Recreation Center.
“It’s a really nice facility. [My husband and I] like the workout room and the pool,” said Tsui Tsaag, who swam laps with her husband, Chi Tsaag, during the open house. The Tsaags said they joined the Recreation Center last month.
“It’s really good for retired people. The price is right. I just wish they had badminton or tennis,” Chi Tsaag added.
Mayor stands by decision
Some residents who toured the center appeared disgruntled or mentioned their displeasure to those they were with. However, none of them agreed to be interviewed.
The rec center has been controversial since it was first proposed. Approval for the facility came from the Town Council, and some residents believe the center should have been put on the ballot for voters to approve or reject. Final construction costs for the $12 million project still have not been released, and critics wonder if taxpayers will have to foot operating costs if membership sales fall short.
The center has already become a campaign issue in the upcoming November mayoral race. Peter Weiner, the town’s public defender, has announced that he will challenge Elwell for the Democratic primary in June. Weiner, who attended the open house, has been critical of the Recreation Center and has promised voters that if elected he would put other similar projects up for a vote.
Despite the criticism, Elwell has consistently defended the decision to build the center.
“You will notice, good communities tend to have good facilities. This is a good community that deserves a facility like this,” Mayor Elwell said during the open house. “I still think this is something the town needed that enhances the overall quality of life here, and increases the value of our community.”
Parking a concern
At the open house, the mayor said some residents questioned whether there will be enough parking to accommodate Recreation Center members and visitors to the Secaucus Swimming Center in the summer. The two facilities will share a 182-space parking lot located in front of the rec center.
“In general, it won’t be a problem,” Elwell said. “The Recreation Center seems to be busiest in the mornings and evenings. Peak time at the Swimming Center is the afternoon.”
He added that Swimming Center employees will be asked to park behind that facility to limit demand on parking lot spaces.
The mayor acknowledged that parking could be tight if the town holds a special event at one of the two facilities over the summer.
Reach E. Assata Wright at awright@hudsonreporter.com.