New state-of-the-art recreation center opens in Collinwood

CLEVELAND - Cleveland Ward 11 Councilman Michael D. Polensek helped celebrate the opening of the long-awaited Collinwood Recreation Center on Saturday.

The facility, which has been discussed in one form or another since 1928, finally opened its doors and will provide a state-of-the-art center for the Collinwood community.

The $11 million facility will be home to Cleveland's first indoor water park, complete with a monster slide and full swimming pool.

A regulation-sized basketball court, three-lane walking/jogging track, kitchen facilities, senior center, aerobics, and fitness rooms are also a part of the new facility.

In addition, there is a community room, computer center and offices for city employees.

Outside features include a separate parking lot for seniors, a pool patio and landscaping throughout the eco-friendly parking lot all connected by bike paths to the 32-acre Humphrey's Sports Complex and Euclid Beach State Park.

The center was designed by Cleveland-based City Architecture and is a green-energy complex outfitted with solar panels and LEED certified. The complex links directly to Euclid Beach State Park with a new intersection on Lakeshore Boulevard, enabling anyone to walk or bike from Villaview Avenue all the way to Cleveland's lakefront.