Ranch celebrates new recreation center

After months of eager anticipation - but right on schedule - the new Glaze Meadow Recreation Center had its grand opening on Saturday, May 26. The center is destined to become the jewel in the crown of Black Butte Ranch (BBR).

The kick-off for the event was a welcome ceremony that included Carl Sherwood of Robertson Sherwood Architects, the firm tasked with the design of the new complex, and Brian Crosby and Frank Buehler, the construction managers for this portion of the capital improvement project. Each had a little to say and received acclaim for bringing the project in on schedule.

For many the highlight of the day was when Loy Helmly, the general manager of BBR, was tossed into the new pool by the staff.

There was an open house in the spa that allowed the guests to view the tasteful elegance of the treatment rooms for massage therapy, facials and hydro-therapy. At the Sports Shop desk there were entry forms for a raffle to win a generous gift basket from the Spa at BBR. There were two drawings, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. The basket included a posh chenille bathrobe and personal care products from Pevonia, an international company that provides well respected spa treatment products throughout the world.

The first 100 kids to join the festivities on each day of the three days of the grand opening event received a free pair of "Barracuda" swimming goggles.

The coffee lovers were not omitted in the health and exercise frenzy of the event. There was a registration at the Espresso Bar to win a free 10-drink espresso punch card. There were 12 cards in total given away over the three days of the event, which should provide for sometimes needed caffeine boosts for parents tending their children in the two new pools.

Free ice cream cones for children under the age of 12 years were provided at the Snack Bar.

The event was decidedly family oriented, and there were a large number of giveaways for the kids from the GM Sports Shop and Recreation department during the day.