SOUTH BEND – On the eve of its grand opening, workers are putting the finishing touches on the Kroc Center near downtown South Bend.
The excitement for the big grand opening on Saturday is growing as hundreds have already purchased memberships. Even though it is located on the west side of town, it is for everyone and people from all over are already signing up.
Mom of two, Lisa Harwood, works every day to keep up with her bouncy little girls. On Friday morning, they are nearly bouncing off the walls at gymnastics practice. But after Saturday morning, they will have another fun place to go to burn off some energy and mom will be able to enjoy it too. Saturday is the grand opening of the Kroc Center.
“In here we have zumba classes, we have yoga,” said Major Bob Webster, from the Kroc Center. “We have an aquatics center, pool, fitness center, rock climbing wall, and gym.”
The list of things to do at the center is long but the variety of people who can soon enjoy them is longer. This new community center is meant for everyone in the community.
“What I like to say is whether you have a little or you have a lot this is a place you want to be,” said Patti Phillips, from the Kroc Center.
This is the heart of the Salvation Army, the family resource center for people who need assistance and whether you need assistance or not, you can come here.
“We are redefining the idea of a community center so that it is a true sense of community,” said Phillips. “That people who may not be in the same socio economic bracket may come together and have a common experience and not even know that one guy has been out of a work for six month and the other guy is a VP at a local bank.”
Harwood is not either but this place is for her and her girls too and everyone else. There has been a misconception that this is a center for only the people on this side of town but the Kroc Center is meant as a place for everyone, from anywhere and people from all over are buying memberships.
For a family of five, a membership would cost $57 a month and $40 for adults. There are discounts for a little while. Pricing is also available online. Watch tonight’s shows at 5 and 6 a see a bigger tour of the place with Dustin, Cindy, Abby and Paul.
