West River Center Expansion | Video

Alex Hagan | 9/7/2012

Dickinson`s state of the art recreation facility is booming, like the rest of the state. When residents have a little time off, the West River Community Center is the place to go.

"I understand the winters get a little raw and so it`s great to have a place indoors where you can work out and get your exercise in," said Dickinson resident Tim Cheney.

"I live here practically. I`m here to do multiple exercises, team sports, individual sports, weightlifting," said Dickinson resident Gia Cummisk.

The facility now has more than 6,000 members and more than 1,400 new members in the past year. Residents are noticing the center is getting a little too crowded.

"At certain times of the day it`s exceedingly difficult to even work out because there is so much demand for the equipment," Cummisk said.

That`s why Dickinson Park and Recreation Employees are planning to expand.

"The community center expansion plans were actually discussed when we originally built the facility and that would be moving the north wall out and adding some gym space as well as some fitness areas," said Parks and Recreation Director james Kramer.

They know just how important this facility is to the city`s newcomers, along with long time residents.

"In speaking with developers who come to town, the community center and other components of our recreational system is a big part of why they choose to come and develop in our community," Kramer said.

Residents are intrigued about the future expansion plans.

"There`s a lot of stuff here already, but it seems like they`re going to be putting a pool outside and everything else so it`s fun for the kids and everything going on," said Dickinson resident Michael Olson.

The city may be struggling with the population growth in town, but the West River Community Center is ready. The expansion is scheduled to start this fall and will be completed in spring of 2014.

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