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Counting down to Arlington Hts. rec center reopening

Arlington Heights residents looking to escape from the early onset of winter are less than two months away from swimming a few laps and shooting some hoops inside the park district's refurbished recreation center.

The district announced this week the public grand opening for its Arlington Ridge Center - the former Olympic Indoor Swim Center - is set from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31.

In conjunction with the New Year's Eve theme, officials will count down before they cut the ribbon at 12:31 p.m. and celebrate with a balloon drop. The Chicago Boyz Acrobatic Team, a semifinalist on America's Got Talent, will perform at 1 p.m.

Also planned for the open house are fitness demonstrations, an open swim and other activities.

VIPs and other invited guests will get a sneak peek at the upgraded and expanded facility Dec. 19.

The $17 million renovation project broke ground in August 2018. The work included a two-story, 53,975-square-foot addition on the north and west sides of the existing building at 660 N. Ridge Ave. It will be the park district's largest indoor facility, encompassing a gymnasium with two full-size basketball courts, a second-floor indoor walking track, a 30-by-50-foot warm-water pool, a 5,100-square-foot fitness area and multipurpose rooms.

"We are confident that the new facility will bring joy and a variety of recreation options to multi-generations to come, all in a central location destined to become a one-stop shop for all things aquatics, athletics and fitness," said Brian Meyer, the park district's director of recreation and facilities, in an announcement.

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