REC Center to Continue Operating as Private Fitness Facility

Yorkville residents who enjoy working out at the REC Center will be able to continue their fitness regimen after the city leaves the site.

On Monday Walker Custom Homes announced they will re-open the facility as a private fitness center July 1. The city's lease with the REC Center expires June 30. Currently the REC Center houses the Recreation Department administrative staff, fitness equipment and programs, a pool and several recreation classes, although some recreation programs are offered at city parks and at local schools.

Prior to the City of Yorkville operating the REC Center, the building was home to Club 47 Health & Fitness which served Yorkville and the surrounding communities from 1996 until June of 2008. Ron Walker, owner of the property, said the new fitness center will continue to provide health and fitness options for Yorkville. Walker said they have not finalized a pricing structure for the new facility.

Yorkville voters opposed a non-binding referendum on the Nov. 6 ballot on whether or not the city should purchase the REC Center. According to unofficial voter results, 52 percent of voters in the 19 precincts in Yorkville rejected the question. Election results show 3,704 voters opposed the idea, while 3,408 voters, or 47.9 percent supported the plan.

The REC Center currently has 1,400 members. Over 3,000 people use the facility every month, according to city documents. In the wake of the referendum City Administrator Bart Olson said a number of members have terminated their REC Center membership since the facility would likely be shut down.