One of the most frequent comments Wheat Ridge Recreation Center staff hears is that their facility doesn’t look or feel 25 years old.
Designed by Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture, known for designing other recreation centers in Colorado, the Wheat Ridge Rec Center is modeled after a barn, a nod to the City’s agricultural roots.
The Feb. 21 anniversary event included a speech from the Wheat Ridge Mayor, refreshments for visitors, discounted passes, raffles and giveaways.
Working in various positions at the Rec Center since its opening year in 2000, Bryan Blaser started as a guest service attendant while attending college and never left. Blaser observed the population shift from mostly seniors in its first 10 years to now welcoming more families.
“We’ve always tried to pride ourselves in being that community rec center,” Blaser, the current Facility and Fitness Supervisor said. “It’s more of a social atmosphere than it is a workout facility.”
Especially for senior populations, he hopes the Rec Center can continue to serve as a place for social connection. The Rec Center is busier now, with fewer slower months than ever, Blaser said.
A patron for 10 years, Martina Rother remembers bringing her father, who has since passed, to go swimming at the Rec Center.
She enjoys the inclusive environment, attending workout classes and meeting wonderful people, she said.
“It’s an important part of my life,” Rother said. “There’s a wonderful community here.”
Jerry DiTullio, now the Jeffco Treasurer, served as Wheat Ridge Mayor when the Rec Center project was approved by the City.
Wheat Ridge residents accepted a half-cent sales tax increase to pay for bonds to build the Rec Center. The bonds were paid off early, with the excess going into a rainy day fund.
“At that time, the City had no gathering place for events, except for City hall—and City hall was on the east side of town,” DiTullio said. “The rec center would help bring in new families and new residents to the city.”
DiTullio remembers there was no push back from city residents on the project.
“I’m excited that it still looks brand new, and that it’s still used by quite a few families in Wheat Ridge and around the area,” DiTullio said. “It seems to be paying for itself.”
Karen O’Donnell, the current Director of Parks and Recreation at City of Wheat Ridge, hopes to address full class sizes and possibly expand the weight and cardio areas in the Rec Center’s next 10-year plan.
“It’s really nice to see the stories of people that have been here throughout the 25 years,” O’Donnell said. “This facility has brought together the community and has impacted individuals, both in their health and wellness, in learning new skills and in bringing them together with their neighbors.”
