SMITHFIELD—Ten years ago Smithfield was given the gift that keeps on giving. The community recreation center opened and has expanded to include many classes and programs as well as a modern facility to help citizens stay fit.

The Recreation Center prides itself on providing a variety of quality programs and activities for both youth and adults at an affordable cost. Director Brett Daniels said, “We have a tremendous response to most of the programs and activities that we conduct.”

The Recreation Center holds a 5,000 sq. ft. weight room, four basketball courts, three racquetball courts, a dance studio and much more.

Fitness Coordinator Brittney Hansen has worked for Smithfield for a year and a half. “We have the Group Fitness Program, weight room, gyms etc.,” she says, “but we also offer tumbling, Tae Kwon Do, kids’ camps in the summer, and many other programs.”

The variety is what draws people, says Hansen. “We have quite a few people who participate in our Group Fitness Program which includes everything from yoga and Pilates to spinning and Zumba.”

What makes the Rec Center a success is that “we really stress customer service here and really try to go out of our way to make people feel welcome,” Hansen said.

Daniels has worked for Smithfield a little over 10 years, and was brought in specifically to get things ready for the center when it opened. “I like to be involved and know what is going on in each program,” Daniels says.

As its mission statement says, the Rec Center is about providing both leisure and recreational programs and activities that will fulfill the needs of the community and create positive lifelong experiences for everyone.

“As staff at the Rec Center, we try to get to know our members and we value all opinions and suggestions,” says Hansen, “We really strive to reach out to the needs of our community and make all feel welcome and involved.”

Smithfield Rec, which also participates in the Utah State University’s Be Well Program, provides a variety of choices for passes. Daily admission prices, annual passes as well as six-month passes are available for purchase. You can also get activity specific passes.

Ownership is shared by Smithfield and Cache County School District, which is why the center works a lot with Sky View High School.

“The Rec Center has been such a great addition to the community and to Sky View High!” Hansen says. “We have many different programs to offer people of all ages and we take pride in our facility.”

The center is located at 315 E. 600 South in Smithfield.

Published in cooperation with the Hard News Cafe. Original story is here.