Centre of Elgin takes big steps in five years

The 5-year-old Centre of Elgin is not a tot and no longer taking baby steps to be a vital part of the community.

"It's still hasn't reached its full potential because it's always evolving," said Randy Reopelle, the city's Parks and Recreation Department director. "The residents have embraced it. They've used it. We're certainly past our infancy. It's certainly well established and well received."

The number of visitors for 2007 was 950,000, a 5-percent increase over the 901,000 in 2006, according to annual information released Tuesday.

The city also chipped in $593,000 in 2007 to help make ends meet, a 9-percent increase over 2006.

Although the city must subsidize the facility, officials say that in addition to providing recreational opportunities, the 180,000-square-foot facility is a drawing card that puts the city's best foot forward for visitors and residents alike.

"It was built where it was built to get people to come to downtown Elgin. Obviously, it's working," Reopelle said. "Financially, there's no recreation center that breaks even. The bigger the center, the more you're going to lose."

Amy Knorek, the facility's customer service manager, said one hurdle was making people realize the Centre is open to everyone for a variety of programs for all ages, not just those who can afford memberships.

"It took about three or four years to get the word out," she said.

Membership levels for 2007, however, were down 2.5 percent from 2006.

Reopelle said private fitness clubs have seen a 3-percent average drop because of the economy, while public centers have posted greater losses.

So Centre leaders are constantly evaluating their programs and have held focus groups to find out what makes people tick.

And officials are constantly looking to control costs, especially utilities.

For example, they've installed lighting in the field house that uses less wattage and are exploring more efficient energy uses in all areas of the building, said Wayne Carlstedt, Centre operations manager.