Five fast facts about Elgin Centre

The Centre of Elgin is about recreation, fitness and more. Here are five things worth knowing about one of the city's biggest draws.

Coming and going: In 2006, the Centre logged nearly 1 million visitors. By the end of 2007, Centre officials expect to exceed that mark. Not bad considering officials in 2002 estimated the 185,000-square-foot facility would see about 315,000 visitors a year.

Smart art: Members of Elgin's Art for All league have five places across the city to show and sell their works. And, if given the choice, most opt for the Centre. For the past two years, the nonprofit has rotated its members' works every two months at the Centre.

Walk of Life: If life is a journey of many steps, then Gus and Judi Vaughan enjoy taking them together. Lots of them. The Elgin couple walks the indoor-elevated track at the Centre several times a week. "I do that walking more when it's a little cooler weather," Gus said. "All studies show people live longer and have a better quality of life if they're physically fit. It's a great facility." Elgin residents don't need a membership and can use the track -- where eight laps equal one mile -- for free.

Jump in: The eight-lane, 25-yard lap pool, complete with a large spectator area and electronic timing system, has been a great selling point for the Elgin Cyclones swim team. "Four years ago, we had 40 kids (ages 5 through 18). This year, we have 110," said Emily Kaplowitz, Cyclones head coach. The team participates in five meets a year at the Centre.

Getting greener: Officials are cognizant of rising wages and utility costs. This year, officials replaced 80-watt bulbs in the field house with more efficient ones and are considering alternative energy sources, such as solar panels on the roof.