Port Orange REC center: Nearly 4 months after reopening, here is what is new for residents
PORT ORANGE — The city two years ago decided to revamp the sports-oriented City Center gym to give residents of all ages a new community center.
Nearly four months ago, after almost two years of renovations, the new Recreation Education and Culture (REC) center reopened at the Port Orange City Center.
And since then, the response from the community has been “extremely positive,” according to city officials.
“We have experienced a significant increase in daily visitors, people signing up for annual memberships, and attendance for our partners who host classes at the REC,” city spokesman Mike Springer wrote in an email to The News-Journal. “Local businesses have also been excited to get involved by hosting meetings and sponsorships.”
The new space offers a game room; teen and parent lounges; multi-purpose classrooms; and an electronics and video game room. The three courts and skate park next door have been incorporated into the new structure.
Besides continuing to be a space for teenagers to enjoy, the REC also became “a popular and affordable spot to hold activities from birthday parties, meetings and events,” Springer said.
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Here are some of the activities available at the Port Orange REC:
Adult and youth classes
With the addition of 10,000 square feet and the extra multi-purpose classrooms, the REC offers plenty of space for adults and kids to learn new activities.
“Since the renovations, we have been able to expand our hours to include more programs and activities during the evenings and weekends and offer a variety of sports and recreation programming for youths and adults that were not available before the renovation,” Springer wrote.
Adults can join several classes, including dance and fitness, yoga, pickleball, martial arts and more.
Kids also have several classes to choose from, including music, school tutoring, basketball, martial arts, karate and dance.
To learn more or to register, visit the Parks and Recreation tab at the city website: port-orange.org.
Sports and esports open play
The center’s three courts remain where residents can still play several sports.
Open play times are scheduled daily throughout the month for basketball, pickleball and volleyball.
The new video game room gives residents a chance to play their favorite games, during both open play time and scheduled tournaments.
The center will host a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament event Saturday for kids 11 through 15. Entry fees are $10 per player. To learn more, call 386-506-5933.
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Parents' night out
In keeping with its intention of appealing to all age groups, parents now have a reason to accompany their kids to the REC.
A parents' night out event is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday when kids ages 6 through 12 “will be entertained all night with games, arts and crafts, and esports,” while parents can enjoy dinner prepared by REC staff.
Kids can spend time in the REC’s new indoor playground, which Springer said has been one of the “biggest draws” so far.
"Families with young children have been taking advantage of it during these hot summer months to escape the heat and have fun in a cool and safe environment," he wrote.
Registration is required through the city website. To learn more, call 386-506-5933.
ArtHaus
The REC is also the new home of ArtHaus, a “youth arts charity” organization founded in 1996.
ArtHaus provides art classes for adults, as well as summer and holiday camps for kids. Visitors can also explore their student art exhibition space and sign up for art therapy programs.
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ArtHaus is located on the westside of the new REC.
Memberships, REC hours
REC memberships include access to all open play times for pickleball, basketball and esports. It also includes access to all open areas of the facility during operating hours, including the playground and lounges, according to the city.
A monthly membership is $10 for youths, $15 for seniors and students, and $20 for adults. Annual memberships are $55 for youths, $65 for seniors and students, and $75 for adults.
Residents can also purchase daily passes, which cost $2 for youths, $4 for seniors and students, and $6 for adults.
The REC is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sundays. It is located at 4655 City Center Circle.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Revamped Port Orange REC offers activities for everyone
