Elgin Centre celebrates fifth anniversary
For the past five years, Betty McKeown has faithfully walked four miles a day on the indoor track at the Centre of Elgin.
Over the past two years, McKeown has logged more than 1,900 miles -- the distance from her hometown Elgin to Los Angeles.
The 83-year-old used to walk outside, but she got bumped by a neighbor's car once. The Centre's track and walking club offer safety, convenience and camaraderie.
"Everybody is so nice, you can't ask for anything better," she said. "To me, it's a wonderful place and Elgin's lucky to have it."
More Coverage Stories Five fast facts about the Elgin Centre [12/14/07]
While McKeown has walked thousands of steps, the Centre also is taking a big step: celebrating its fifth birthday.
Having opened in November 2002, Centre officials expect more than 1 million visits to the 184,722-square-foot facility this year alone.
When the facility was being planned, Elgin Mayor Ed Schock pushed for the Centre name, saying, "For a little panache, we can spell center with an 're' instead of an 'er.' "
Most would agree that the "re" is appropriate because of the focus on recreation.
The center offers something for everyone, with three pools, a fitness center, a senior and teen area, an indoor track, a field house, a preschool, a banquet facility and programming space for everything from yoga to ceramics.
Operations manager Wayne Carlstedt said the Centre is "one-stop shopping" for activities and recreation.
"It's a real drawing point and a real asset to people in the community," he said. "It's not something you find in every community."
The past five years have been a period of constant adjustment for the Centre staff -- adapting to new needs as the community evolves and trends change.
Some changes in store for early 2008 are a fifth preschool room, an expanded baby-sitting room for parents who are in fitness classes, and an improved security system for the Centre's track.
Officials also hope to convert a former cafe next to the indoor water park into a birthday party room and possibly luring some food kiosk providers, such as a coffee cart.
"It's changing. It's always something new," said Amy Knorek, Centre customer service manager. "There's always ways we can improve."
But while attendance has been on a steady uptick, the Centre still receives a subsidy from the city.
When the Centre was being planned, some city officials promised it would be self-sustaining. Time has shown that is not the case.
In its first year, the Centre operated at a $475,000 deficit. In 2005, it rose to $796,000. This year, the deficit is expected to be around the 2006 level of $544,000.
City officials stress that many facilities, such as the Hemmens Cultural Arts Center and various pools, don't turn a profit.
For the Centre to do that, membership prices would have to be increased, and visitors would then drop and many people would be priced out, officials say.
Randy Reopelle, the city's parks and recreation department director, said the community is stronger because of the Centre.
"It's an asset. I'm not sure how you quantify that in dollars and cents," he said. "There's a positive effect on the community by putting kids in healthy, constructive activities. We've got people who are healthier and learning skills."
If you go
What: The Centre of Elgin will celebrate "Five Years and Growing Stronger."
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Where: 100 Symphony Way, Elgin
What: Fitness and program demonstrations, giveaways, raffles, kids area and discounted 2008 memberships.
Info: (847) 931-6123