The new Secrest Recreation Center, the last and most substantial projects of a group of six bond projects approved by voters in May 2016, is now open to the public.

The Secrest Recreation Center site has been home to Apex Park and Recreation District for more than 50 years, and the new 21,512 square foot facility, which officially opened Oct. 2, is the latest of many renovations and upgrades over the years. The original Secrest Center opened in 1966 following a voter-approved bond issue and it underwent several renovations and expansions through the late 1990s.

The new facility includes a small weight room, community/aerobics area, teen center, small gym, locker rooms and a warm water wellness pool.

The outdoor pool and inline skate rink will continue to operate as part of the neighborhood recreation complex.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the new Secrest Recreation Center,” said Apex PRD Board President Jeff Glenn. “It affirms a half-century of community energy and support, and stands as a dynamic vision for the future.”

For Colin Dean, 17, who lives in the neighborhood, the new center is a place he can play basketball with friends after school.

“I think it's good for the neighborhood,” he said, while taking a break on the court.

While the previous center — which was torn down the day the new center opened — acted primarily as a teen center, the new facility has activities for a variety of ages, including a space for the Magical Mornings group — a pre-school age parent, child group that meets on weekdays.

“As a district we try really hard to provide services for as many people we possibly can and with the addition of this facility, we are meeting that goal even more,” said Lauri Dannemiller, executive director of the Apex Parks and Recreation District. “It's so encouraging to see this many kids here, active, engaged. There's so many kids that need services and appreciate having a place to go after school. We're excited to open this to them.”