In the six months since the Rudy A. Ciccotti Family Recreational Center opened its doors, donations and membership dues have paid off $5 million of the facility’s $12 million price tag.
Center namesake and Colonie businessman, Rudy Ciccotti knocked another $500,000 off that figure last week when he presented center staff with a check. Ciccotti has been the largest contributor to the facility to date.
The money clearly goes toward our debt on the building. We are still in a capital campaign to pay that debt down, said Barbara Boodram, director of development.
Ciccotti’s donation will also help the Colonie Youth Center, the owner and operator of the facility, keep membership rates and youth programs in the town at minimal costs. Those programs offered at the center and memberships to the center are open to everyone, she noted.
Since opening its doors in January, the center has filled approximately 3,265 family memberships`about 6,000 members total`nearly meeting the 4,000 family membership mark it established based on occupancy estimates before breaking ground. The center’s goal is the 4,000 mark by 2008.
In its first month alone, the facility saw 20,000 members come through its doors. On a daily basis, about 1,000 people `swipe-in` to the facility to make use of its gym, indoor track, pool and aquatic park.
In a written statement, Ciccotti praised the Colonie Youth Center and town Supervisor Mary Brizzell’s commitment to youth facilities in the town.
`I am pleased to give a gift in support of CYC’s efforts and making the Rudy A. Ciccotti Family Recreation Center a reality for children. I have always been fond of the town of Colonie and the quality of leadership we have in Supervisor Mary Brizzell. Her dedication to meeting the needs of our community is what makes this town admired by many municipalities. The Colonie Youth Center organization’s tremendous effort to meet the needs of children immeasurably enhances the community and what I value,` wrote Ciccotti.
Plans for a YMCA-like center for Colonie families began a decade ago with a townwide survey. Based on community response, the facility was built and programs put in place to meet the community needs.
Some of the center activities include swimming lessons, lifeguard training, water aerobics, yoga, Pilates, lacrosse, computer classes, first-aid classes, stroller fitness and volleyball classes.
The center features two full gymnasiums, a one-eighth mile elevated, walking/running track, a fitness center and community rooms with kitchens.
The center also features a multifaceted aquatic complex that encompasses a four-lane lap pool/wave pool, lazy river, fountains and zero-depth wet area for kids. At the center of the attraction is a multi-loop, 20-foot slide.
Naming opportunities for specific areas within the Rudy A. Ciccotti Family Recreation Center are still available for anyone wishing to make a commemorative contribution.
The center is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. It is located off of 30 Aviation Road. For information call 436-9596 or visit www.colonieyouthcenter.org.
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