Tim Denny, the Haverford Township director of Parks and Recreation and assistant township manager, wants to share the following with the residents about the Haverford Recreation Center:

The grand opening of the long-awaited Community Recreation and Environmental Center, also known as the Haverford Recreation Center, at Haverford Reserve is scheduled for Thursday, June 14, at 7:30 p.m. In addition there will be open-house guided tours, games and prizes on Friday, June 15, and Saturday, June 16, to celebrate the historic occasion.

“This is a defining moment in Haverford Township history,” stated Tim Denny, assistant township manager, “so we thought Flag Day, June 14, was the perfect day to open. Not only is this a beautiful LEED certified green building that was funded without using township tax dollars and will serve the community for years to come, but it represents the culmination of 14 years of following through on what the residents said they wanted done with this property.”

The building is on the grounds of the former Haverford State Hospital which closed in 1998.

The 35,000-square foot facility includes a double gymnasium, wellness area, walking track, environmental classroom and multi-use rooms.

“This building and everything that is at Haverford Reserve represents the main reason I chose to run for commissioner,” said Mario Oliva, 2nd Ward commissioner and chairman of the Recreation Committee. “In 2005 there was a lot of discussion about the future of the site. I am proud to have been part of the process that pushed for the great mix of facilities we now have at the site which will benefit our community for generations.”

The architecture firm of Kimmel/Bogrette designed the facility.

“It has been a pleasure to be involved with this project,” said Martin Kimmel. “All of the people we have been working with in the township have been very professional. The residents are fortunate to have such forward looking commissioners and dedicated township officials.”

Park Board member Tony Zinni called the facility a tribute to the hard work, dedication and perseverance of all those who value community recreation.

“More than anything else this building represents a vision for a better tomorrow that was acted upon,” said Zinni.

Program Director Brian Barrett explained that the facility would be program-driven, not membership-driven.

“Because it is community center we wanted township residents to feel they were part of it. We will operate much like the business model for the Skatium. We will have public times, program times and rental times,” he said

For complete details of the schedule of events for the Grand Opening festivities go to the township website or check the HavaGood Times.