By Anne Ruisi
The long-anticipated Vestavia Hills Civic Center is open and welcoming residents and others who want to use the facilities.
The 100,000-square-foot building is separated into two sections, said Sandi Wilson, a program superintendent with the city of Vestavia Hills, with one side dedicated to the gymnasium and fitness center and offices, and the other set aside for meeting rooms and offices for the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce.
In the center is “hangout space,” with a seating area in an atrium-like setting and stairs that lead to the second floor.
Recreational and fitness features at the civic center include:
• A gymnasium with two full-size courts striped for basketball, volleyball and pickleball
• A three-lane walking track that is 1/10 of a mile around
• Workout equipment in a fitness area featuring weight training machines, and fitness and cardio equipment
• Multipurpose spaces for dance, exercise and fitness classes
Memberships are on sale now for individuals, families and adults over 55 who want to use the fitness facilities.
Costs vary, with individual memberships for the civic center at $15 a month or $135 annually; add an aquatic complex membership and the total is $210 a year.
Family memberships are $35 a month, $300 annually and $500 a year for the aquatic complex/civic center combo. For adults 55 and older, the cost is $10 a month, $100 a year and $125 for the combo.
Track passes are $25 a year and $12 annually for adults 55 and older.
You can sign up online at vhrecreation.activityreg.com.
Civic center hours are Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
