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Greg Oliver

Central-Clemson Indoor Recreation Center Director Joe Crosby examines one of the 29 new pieces of fitness equipment purchased for the facility as part of its recent upgrade. The center was closed for a week in order to install the new equipment and renovate the fitness room and pool area.

CLEMSON — The Central-Clemson Indoor Recreation Center, which opened nearly nine years ago, recently received a facilities upgrade that included renovations, repairs and the installation of 29 new pieces of fitness equipment.

In addition, the center recently welcomed Richard Walker as the first assistant director. Walker will be primarily responsible for marketing, membership and guest services.

Director Joe Crosby said the renovations included replastering the smaller, or therapeutic, pool and the renovation of the weight room, which marks the first time such work had taken place in the history of the center that opened in 1999.

“The facility was cleaned in a week,” Crosby said, adding that it was closed during that a period of a week.

Not only does the center feature aesthetic improvements, but Crosby said 29 new pieces of equipment, including regular elliptical bikes and express bikes, both equipped with television capabilities, were purchased. Crosby said the total cost of the equipment was $172,000, but added that a trade-in of the new equipment with the former fitness equipment dramatically reduced that amount to only $6,000.

Crosby said the renovations also included the refurbishment of the gymnasium floor and replacement of lights. He added that the changes, which soon will include replacement of the swimming pool’s dehumidification system, have already proven to be a big hit with members.

“They like the new equipment and the new look,” Crosby said. “It’s (center) definitely needed some upgrade because we have a couple of places that other gyms don’t have. It goes a long way to say we have the cleanest rooms of any gym and the most equipment.”

Walker, a 2004 graduate of Clemson University, who earned his degree in parks, recreation and tourism management, headed the recreation department in Amelia Island Plantation in Amelia Island, Fla. for a little less than three years. But Walker said his love for the Clemson area never left.

“I’ve always wanted to move back to the Clemson-Central area because I went to Clemson University,” Walker said.

Walker and membership services representative Katie Dagenhart, another new employee of the center, will work in handling all membership and customer service needs.

“People will now have someone to directly go to in case they have questions regarding their membership,” Walker said.

For additional information, cal (864) 639-1111.