NORFOLK
A few years ago, the typical public recreation center in Norfolk was a cramped gym with a few meeting rooms that served only the immediate neighborhood.
If you wanted to swim or use workout facilities or racquetball courts, you had to go to Virginia Beach.
Now, thanks largely to a course set by City Manager Regina V.K. Williams and tens of millions of taxpayer dollars, recreation services in Norfolk are beginning to resemble those offered by its neighbor.
They won't open without some difficult choices, however.
Norfolk has a total of 24 recreation centers, some of them needing repairs worth millions. City leaders must now figure out which centers to renovate and which ones to close. In addition to three larger recreation centers that are now either under way or will soon begin construction, Norfolk officials must also determine where to build more.
The city plans to hire a consultant to recommend answers to those questions. A report should go to the City Council next spring, said Darrell Crittendon, director of the city's recreation department.
Councilman W. Randy Wright said a look at a city map tells him where to expand next - Tarrallton Park.
All the city's large recreation centers and all but one pool are located in the southern part of the city.
Vice Mayor Anthony Burfoot wants a pool at Norview.
Residents in Ingleside, meanwhile, are lobbying for a rec center there.
Councilman Don Williams said it's important to keep the city's youths in mind when deciding on future locations because many have limited transportation.
"If we close one, we need to make sure the kids in that neighborhood can get to another center," Williams said.
City leaders began studying the issue about four years ago, when Norfolk purchased the Jewish Community Center just south of Wards Corner for $6.2 million.
It was transformed into the Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center.
At 92,000 square feet, it's slightly larger than most of the rec centers in Virginia Beach. It has indoor and outdoor pools, workout rooms, a regulation-size basketball court, racquetball and tennis courts, meeting spaces and soccer fields.
"It's the most comprehensive facility we have in the city," said Councilman Barclay C. Winn.
Three more of its kind are on the way near Norview High School, Old Dominion University and in Broad Creek.
The new Norview center will offer a full-size basketball court, exercise facilities with state-of-the-art aerobic and weight machines, computer labs and a media center that can show movies, Crittendon said.
The Lamberts Point facility will offer more of an X-Games theme - it will have a 25-foot rock climbing wall and zip-line facilities, in addition to a gym and workout facilities. The Kroc Center, a $30 million, 100,000-square-foot community center, also will house an indoor water park.
The offerings in the centers differ because city officials asked their surrounding communities what they wanted in the facilities before they designed them.
The city also is upgrading its swimming facilities. T here currently are three indoor pools - at Northside Park, the wellness center and the Huntersville Recreation Center.
Two more are coming. Work will soon begin on the 21,000-square-foot, $7.7 million Southside Aquatic Center in Berkley.
And about $9 million has been budgeted for a Therapeutic Recreation Center to be built near Lake Taylor Hospital. It would have a pool and workout facility and likely would provide specialized services for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Crittendon also has overseen the addition of new softball fields at Northside Park, the revamping of Shoop Park and an expansion at Tarrallton Park.
"We're doing some wonderful things for our citizens," said Councilman Paul R. Riddick.
Harry Minium, (757) 446-2371, harry.minium@pilotonline.com
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Oh, now I see
Build a rec center for a few million of tax payer dollars for the kids with no guidance. Next thing ya know they're working out daily and drop their hoodie ways. Get a grip. Parental guidance doesn't come in the form of a building. Thanks for the moving advice. Due to outrageous increases,waste of taxes,and crime,I did just that as have a record number of former Norfolkians. I own a home and property in Norfolk as I have to split time there for business purposes, however, all are for sale. Once sold,Norfolk will see no more of my taxes and businesses will see no more of my expendable $$. Hey, free meals would be good for all the residents; why not provide that to every resident with tax dollars? Give me one reason? Don't want anyone hungry. Free electricity be nice too, don't want anyone hot or cold. Use tax dollars. All kids should have computers, use tax dollars to give one to every resident. Socialist Republic of Norfolk. Take from the ambitious, give to the not ambitious.
rec centers
for those of you that don't understand the savings of rec centers.what happens to a lot of youth when there is nothing for them to do,no support no guidance,they wind up hanging out in gangs committing some type of crime or wasting their lives doing nothing.who does that effect?everyone all of us tax payers.this will help add some stricture in their lives.in the long run it costs more to hold,house,and convict offenders not to mention the mental abuse it costs everyone,plus it will also offer a limited number of jobs in the community they are in.do you want your children stuck indoors playing video games eating junk getting overweight and then the health issues.this is an investment in our future in a lot of ways.what more could you give back to your children and community.
Steven
Should we stop supporting the arts and parks also? Why do we need the Chrysler Musuem? Residents could easily buy art at one of the local art stores. Why spend money on parks, we could easily drive to another city and enjoy their parks. As you stated previously we are a democracy, if you are unhappy with your City Council voting for rec centers then you can cast your vote, if this is not enough then MOVE out of the city. Simple really. I support City Council on this one and I would guess that the majority of residents would agree. Rec centers are a positive use of city dollars.
The article is incorrect
If you wanted to swim or play raquetball you could head to the Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center near Wards Corner.
Rec centers at the Beach
If Norfolk turns out like Virginia Beach, the young and buff and beautiful will keep their exclusive gym memberships and the rec centers will mostly help kids (with summer sports camps and other inexpensive options) and the elderly. And how cool is that?--your older folks can meet there to have companionship and work out and save everybody a lot of health care dollars in the end (or would you rather they meet over coffee and ham biscuits at Hardees, ha ha!). Cheers, MGM
A few comments
As to the "not one penny of my taxes go to Iraq", you may want to check out how much money the U.S. is spending over there. How do you think we are getting the money? From pixiedust? No, sir, from your taxes -- and by the way, the appropriations have not been accounted for properly for years (thank you Mr. President). As to the topic on hand, rec facilities serve a great purpose for the community. Did you ever play rec ball as a child? It's a wonderful place for children to go and stay off the street. Public meetings are held there. The rooms are also rented out for other meetings, such as training football officials or CPR classes. If you really would like to know who actually meets there, visit a rec center instead of dismissing the idea that people actually meet there. Kudos to the people spending money at a gym, but rec centers have, and continue to, provide a valuable service to the community. I also wonder if some of these posters even know why libraries are in existence...obviously people need to brush up on their history, maybe they should visit the library...
Answer
To answer the question below..."why does Norfolk continue to lose population at a record pace?" beacuse they're going to Virginia Beach due to the great rec centers there.
Just charge it
Just take out a loan and buy whatever, and let the kids worry about paying it back in the future.
Invalid point of view
Personal trainers are independent contractors and not a part of any gym membership I've ever had. When I part timed as a PT back in 93-97 I provided the service for a rate anwhere. No gym affiliation. I would have gladly provided the service at a rec center. PT's have nothing to do with the argument."Diet programs" have never been a part of any gym membership I've owned.If the argument is that gyms are offering a differing service I'd find it hard to swallow. Gyms offer use of a facility as does the competing taxpayer funded facility. Public librarys do not sell books. What is the parallel between a book retailer and a library? Differing service. We have plenty of "public meeting halls" all over the city.Swimming pools are not required for public meetings. How many public meetings are actually held at these gyms? These facilities do directly compete with private gyms which is one reason Norfol
Another point of view
Rec centers provide places for civic meetings, community art classes and lessons, as well as a place for children to find recreation. Gyms provide personal trainers and specific exercises classes. I'm not sure one conflicts with the other. Much like we support libraries with our tax dollars, I don't see a problem with supporting rec centers. Book stores aren't put out of business because of libraries. Rec centers tend to give neighborhoods who don't have a community center a home. I doubt that such entities as the YMCA and the Gold's Gym will loose membership, as those facilities offer specific training and weight loss programs. Look around at the communities that people leaving Norfolk are flocking to. They probably have skate parks and rec centers.
Actually not one penny of my property tax dollars go to Iraq.
..and your assumptions are incorrect. There are many options for gyms and recreation for the citizens of Norfolk. There are numerous gyms one can join. Would go kart tracks fall in the realm of recreation? Should we build one with tax dollars? Wouldn't a paintball facility be recreation? Should we use local tax dollars to build some of those? No...you have it wrong. Our tax dollars should be used to fix our roads and improve our public schools. Instead, we have lousy local roadways that are unmaintained, schools where teachers spend their own money for supplies, oh...and some taxpayer funded gyms that compete with our local business owners and discourage future investment. And....if all this is sooooo great, attracts new residents, etc;....why does Norfolk continue to lose population at a record pace? You have it all wrong. Socialism does not work. We are a democracy. Call calls for fi
What a Great Service to Citizens
If we listened to naysayers that run rampant here, the city would be a vast wilderness with dirt roads, no public schools or libraries, albeit with a huge police force. All the whining from the no taxes at any cost crowd gets old after awhile.
These options available to citizens are what makes a community great to live and work in, attracts business and home buyers and offers options to our youth and family for recreation.
If you are so concerned about your tax dollars, why don't you protest where it really goes to, this debacle in Iraq, rather than pennies spent bettering our cities and communities.
You can't please everyone!
Looking at the comments below, this just goes to show that there are always going to be complainers! If the city of Norfolk spends money on the downtown, people comment how the city doesn't do enough for the community at large. If the city spends money for the betterment of its citizens, then people complain about that! Quit griping people! I don't envy the city council at all. Move to another city already!
Way Off Mark on Govt' Role
Steven….... Did you train for any of your eight 1/2 marathons on public property or were they all privately owned, fee-for-use, commercial sidewalks, running trails, and running paths and tracks? ; - )
Spend millions
As a city worker we have heard all year how we will be cut short on our cost of living for this year and how we will be on a hiring freeze because of the city's finances. Nice to see where the concern lies.
Sorry SteveVa but you're way off the mark
Spending millions in tax payer dollars will not make one soul healthier. THEY HAVE TO SHOW UP. Gyms are avaiable now for that. Further, when did a $30M gym become a requirement for health? I run around 8 half marathons a year and I am yet to be charged a dime to run outside and train. Your assumptions about those of us who recognize such waste is wrong. Your quote on gym pricing is wrong. I pay $24 / mo for use of a private facility with a pool. I am simply saying it is not the role of gov to provide gyms. Further,it is bad policy to use tax dollars to provide a service that is provided already by private businesses. In effect,local government then unfairly competes with private businesses, which are not tax subsidized,thus discouraging private business and all of the good things that come with private investment. Bike lanes are a part of transportation infrastructure which is....a function of gov. P
about the rec centers
They are NEEDED!
thanks!!!!!!!
thank u 4 taking out the 20 inch flat screen tvs and putting in NEW 40 inch flat screen tvs...
thank u!!!!!!
Let me see if I have this straight
The City of Norfolk has a hiring freeze because of budetary considerations. Yet they can spend MILLIONS of dollars for swimming pools and recreation centers. I wish I could handle my finances that effectively.
Public REC Centers for ALL
Negative comments below explain the mind set of a shortsighted, overweight, and out of shape America. Nice and functional PUBLIC recreation centers are provided by enlighten governments to provide ALL citizens a means to stay healthy and have enjoyment. To say we should pay $70-100+ month (plus sign up fee) for private fitness center (most of which have no pools) is short sighted and comes from one who obviously doesn’t see much need for physical fitness. Recreation and fitness is something for all, not just for those who can fork out $100+ per month per person! Folks who oppose using tax dollars on these facilities are in the league with the those who go off about wasting money on bike lanes, walking paths, boardwalks, and are upset when land which could be a strip mall with a Mickey D’s is preserved as a public park. If we want this region to improve in terms of fitness, recreation, and ultima
Don't give them ideas Steven!
Steven, don't give them ideas! If Virginia Beach goes on a shopping spree, Norfolk has to too! Sounds like standard women going on a shopping spree, when it's not their hard work that supplied the money. The flip side is it *is* possible that the rec centers could occupy the bored youth enough that they won't commit crimes, however I'm sure there are enough babies being cranked out without caring parents to fill all the rec centers along with the jails. Kudos to the pilot, they drop these articles acting like they are just reporting what's going on, but really the goal is to inform the public of waste. Remember, property values are going to revert to half the current value and that is going to create serious budget shortfalls.
Confused on the concept
When did it become the role of government to provide public gyms that compete with private businesses? How does this fit with the role of government again? When when Norfolk "get it"? Gov competition with private business is not good for anyone. I pay for gym membership, as it is a luxary, and am a bit miffed that my tax dollars are being used to pay for what amounts to a public gym / health club. Why not open a public restaraunt with "free" meals for all as well. Taxpayer funded go kart track. Taxpayer funded minature golf. Taxpayer funded massage parlor. All make just as much sense.