Fitness club in Yorkville now city's Rec Center
YORKVILLE -- Goodbye Club 47, and welcome REC Center.
The former private fitness club on Route 47 here run by Ron Walker has officially changed ownership to the Yorkville Parks and Recreation Department.
Staff moved in July 1, shined up the facilities, re-grouted the whirlpool and changed the club's name.
The REC Center will now function as a health and wellness club with classes and programs open to the public. Additionally, memberships for just the track or the pool are available.
The city is leasing the building for $17,500 per month.
A few things will be different for members familiar with Club 47.
Instead of one-year membership with all classes and programs included, customers have the choice between a basic membership in which customers don't pay for classes like yoga or aerobics, or a premier membership, where all classes are included.
Basic membership patrons can also "pay as they go," if they wish to enroll in some classes throughout the year, said Sue Swithin, superintendent of recreation.
But a number of former Club 47 users could see a drop in their payments.
Swithin said the cost of resident membership to Club 47 is about the same as, or lower than, the non-resident rate at the REC Center.
But there may be some former patrons who could see a 20 percent increase in their monthly rate. For whatever reason, some customers were not charged an increase during their membership to Club 47, and could be seeing their first increase in years, Swithin said.
"For those people, their best alternative is to stop by and talk with front desk staff to analyze their current membership," she said.
The REC Center is also offering free membership for the month of July for anyone who signs up today.
Swithin expects residents and non-residents will be pleased with the park department's offerings and facilities.
"People were a little apprehensive at first with what the cost, services, or contract will be. We're smooth sailing now and people are thrilled," she said.
The REC Center includes a large and small gymnasium, two studios, a weight room, pool, an open fitness area, showers and locker rooms.
By ROWENA VERGARA rvergara@scn1.com
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